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PERSONAL ODYSSEY OF JOHN R. MONTAGUE  (9 of 13)

First Contact, 19 August 1944

  this simple card was the first form of correspondence the family received directly from John since his capture on 6 June.
  At the time he was in Stalag XII A but expected to be moved soon.

First Letter, 8 September 1944
Kriegsfefangenelager
(
prisoner of war camp)
Stalag XII A

Dear Harriett, Peggy + Pop.  I am only allowed to write a card at this time, but it is enough to let you know I am still well and happy.  It is starting to turn cold here so I hope this mess is over soon. Love, John

Absender: Vor - und Zunamen:
(Sender: First and Last name)

Gefangenennummer: Prisoner Number: 83-944

Lager-Bezeichnung: Bearing Designation
M-Stammlager: M-Main Camp: IV B

Deutschland (Allemagne)
 Germany (Allemagne)
 

Map of POW Camp Locations

   Clipped from a newspaper and probably published through the United States, it gave families a sense of where their loved ones were being held.  Note that Stalag IV B, North of Dresden, is circled as that is where John was moved after Stalag XII A


PRISONER OF WAR POST
 KRIEGSGEFANGENEN POST
 SERVICE DES PRISONNIERS DE GUERRE

An envelope addressed to John but returned "by direction of the War Department" apparently due to an incorrect address.


15 WORD FREE SENDER COMPOSITION PRIORITY MESSAGE

   AM   WELL   EXPECT    TO        BE
HOME
   IN        NEAR   FUTURE GIVE
LOVE
   TO          ALL      LOVE    JOHN

Dear Harriett, Peggy + Pop Sept 1 1944
This is the first chance I have had to write, so I am praying that you are not worrying about me as I am as well and happy.  Every time I think of it I know it was your prayers and the guiding hand of our Lord who has taken care of me these last few hectic months.  Please tell everyone that I am well and am looking forward to returning home soon.  We receive Red Cross food packages once a week so I am not going hungry. I will be an expert cook when I arrive home.  Please contact the Red Cross  about sending cigarettes, heavy socks, slippers and what else they might be able to suggest.  I say my prayers every night and am praying for a speedy return home.  May the Lord bless you and keep you safe until I return.  All my Love John

[the family advised that this is one of the longest letters John sent home]

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