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 BDeutschland (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] |