Arthur Lovell – letters home.
Arthur Cecil Lovell – Letters Home!
Gefangenennummer (Prisoner No.) 724
M.-Stammlager VIIIB
Lager-Bezeichnung E153
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In the following letters, given to me by my aunt after my mother and father had died, Mrs R F Lovell is my father’s mother and Miss E Wood (Edna) was my father’s girlfriend (perhaps fiancée – we don’t know when they became engaged). In the course of transcribing the letter cards I have taken the liberty of correcting my father’s spelling for the sake of your understanding.
Interestingly despite what he wrote on 6.3.44 he married Edna on 23rd June 1945 and remained active in the Evangelical Free church movement.
The first letter was written some 5 months after his capture. The last dated letter is written 7 weeks before the start of the long march. The last letter is written a few days after liberation.
His son, David.
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From: Stalag XXID (Schildberg Poland) 13.9.40
To: Mrs Lovell, Flat over Paulines South Street Lancing Sussex England (overwritten 145 West Way & 23 Greet Rd.)
My Dear Mother, Again I have the opportunity of writing to you and this time it is with joy as I am doing so In ans. to one I have received from you. It was lovely to receive a letter from you only yesterday. I am sure it has been an anxious time for you as it has been for me as I have been wondering if you have had any raids. You must be very lonely without Betty or me but we shall soon be all together again and think how lovely that will be. Why did the laundry have to close down. Where is Betty working now. Please return my heartiest greetings to all at the chapel and please let Mr Tate know where I am and find out where and how Frank is. The Psalm you gave me is very nice I have read it a lot of late, but 121 and 125 have been my favourites since my captivity. Well I hope you are keeping quite well so I am. I have had 4 teeth out since I came here. We have two English MOs & a dentist who is a very good extractor. My No. is 724 now. Well I will close now give my love to Edna a I am longing to hear from her Oh how I long to hug her again also my kind regards to the Harrups lets hear about the baby. I remain with all my love your son Arthur C Lovell.
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From: Stalag XXI D 26.11.40
Postkarte. To: Miss E Wood 17 Third Avenue Lancing Sussex England
My Precious Edna, This card is to wish you a Happy Xmas and a bright new year. From Yours for every & ever with all my Love and kisses. Arthur.
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From: Stalag VIIIB 29.12.41
Camp Christmas Greeting Card 1941 To: Miss E Wood 17 Third Avenue Lancing Sussex England
A little picture to express,
My wishes for your happiness;
A little message from my pen,
To haste the Day we’ll meet again;
God grant you every Camp Christmas cheer,
And Joy throughout the Coming Year Arthur
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From: Stalag VIIIB 29.12.41
Camp Christmas Greeting Card 1941 To: Mrs & Miss Lovell 22 The Broadway Lancing Sussex England
A little picture to express,
My wishes for your happiness;
A little message from my pen,
To haste the Day we’ll meet again;
God grant you every Camp Christmas cheer,
And Joy throughout the Coming Year Arthur
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From: Stalag VIIIB 08.1.42
Postkarte ‘A Merry Camp Christmas To: All Mr & Mrs F Smith White House Burret St. Ramsbury Wilts England
(Four men in different uniforms plus Father Christmas, drawn by Thomas Burke P.o.W. Stalag XXA)
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From: Stalag VIIIB – E153 14.2.42
Postkarte To: Mrs C. E. Gale 2 Cooks Yard Aldbourne Nr Marlborough Wilts England
Dear Cicely, I was very pleased to get your card this week and to know all are wellalso trust uncles chest is better. Give my regards to Mrr Martine when you see her. I am doing fine
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From: Stalag VIIIB Gepruft: Nr. 15a (LamsdoR F, Germany) 22.2.42
To: Mrs R F Lovell 22 The Broadway Lancing Sussex England
My Dear Mother, I was surprised to see how long it was since I had written to you. I hope you are quite well as this leaves me. We have had snow for over three months but is beginning to thaw a little. I told Edna that I would get married at 24 but I don’t think do now. Well I must draw to a close you should have a photo before this card. With love from your son Arthur
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From: Stalag VIIIB Gepruft: Nr. 7a 26.7.42
To: Mrs R F Lovell 22 The Broadway Lancing Sussex England
My Dear Mother, I wonder why you and Edna cannot hit things off together. She did not ask me to send my credits to her. Why do you think that I am being mastered? I think you will find that I am far different from what I used to be. As for my Policy and Bank book are will to those I wish to have them so she can claim nothing but what is hers. I am quite well and hope that you are as well your loving son Arthur.
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From: Stalag VIIIB Gepruft: Nr. 29 9.8.42
To: Mrs R F Lovell 22 The Broadway Lancing Sussex England
My Dear Mother, I was very pleased to get your letter 9-7 this week. mail is travelling very well now. I am keeping very well hope you are as well. It is nice to know you are doing hospital work. Who is the young man who was in with Betty. Please omit my army no. in my address. Well must close send you both my love and Romans 8-24-26
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From: Stalag VIIIB 23.12.42
Camp Christmas Greetings card from Stalag VIIIB. To: Miss E M Wood 17 Third Avenue Lancing Sussex England overwritten 9 Glebe Way
I’d hoped I might be with you,
This year on Xmas Day,
But since my thoughts must still suffice,
I’ll greet you in this way.
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From: Stalag VIIIB Gepruft: Nr. 26 27.12.42
To: Mrs R F Lovell 22 The Broadway Lancing Sussex England
My Dear Mother, I was glad to get Betty’s letter and to know you are both well. I am the same and enjoying good weather we have no snow and little frost. I am sitting writing in shorts and singlets. We had quite a good Camp Christmas but would have been better at home. Well hoping to see you before the next. With love to you both your loving son Arthur
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From: Stalag VIIIB Gepruft: Nr. 26 10.1.43
To: Mrs R F Lovell 22 The Broadway Lancing Sussex England
My Dear Mother, I hope you are both well as I am at present. Thanks for sending the books. I had a letter from Frank about his father I have written family. We have about 18 inches of snow now. I wonder if you are working at Grafton house. I should not think about my fingers they are quite normal now. With love to you both from your loving son Arthur
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From: Stalag VIIIB 73 Gepruft 6.6.43
To: Mrs R F Lovell (22 The Broadway Lancing) changed to 63 Rowlands Rd Worthing Sussex England
My Dear Mother, Just a line to let you know that I am quite well. You will notice that I now have a camp number. I am now in a different camp but still doing the same work. We have a full dance band here and plenty of sport. Sending you both much love from your loving son Arthur
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From: Stalag VIIIB 106 Gepruft 24.10.43
To: Mrs R F Lovell 63 Rowlands Rd Worthing Sussex England
Dear Mother, I am glad to hear you are well and settled down. It is most beautiful here as I look out of my window as the morning sun breaks on the golden trees (it is 6am Sunday) how I long to be back. But I don’t think we shall be long now. The last cricket match I played in we beat a N.Z. and Australia team by 57 runs. Well my love to you both from your loving son and brother Arthur
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From: Stalag VIIIB 74 Gepruft 28-11-.43
To: Mrs R F Lovell 63 Rowlands Rd Worthing Sussex England
My Dear Mother, Just a line to let you know that I received a letter. No I have not heard from Mr(s) Tate. I am still keeping very well. My foot ball team is the top of our league I am taking a service Camp Christmas day. I had better wish you a happy Camp Christmas and trust & pray to see you long before the next All my love Arthur
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From: Stalag 344 17 Gepruft Picture Post Card of Dad’s puts 344 at LamsdoR F 26.12.43
To: Mrs R F Lovell 63 Rowlands Rd Worthing Sussex England
My Dearest Mother, Out of all the 3 days Camp Christmas holiday this is the only free time I can find and now I only have half an hour. I have been on the go since six both mornings until about 2am so have been getting about 3 hours sleep. But I am happy in the fact that I am work (ing) for the pleasure of others for their enjoyment. I have been in charge of the building of the scenery for the play Ali Barber, which is a ten scene play so we had a lot of work also I took a service Camp Christmas day and ran a choir to sing 3 anthems and also carols through the camp one other chap and I made all our own music paper and wrote 15 copies of music for everything which was being sung which amounted to 120 copies. With so much hard sing teaching all the parts I have got a slight laryngitis. But who is Mr Edsor I don’t remember him. I am very glad that Betty is getting better I wish she had the health and stamina of myself. Please note my Stalag No. it is now 344 not VIIIB. My kind regards to all relatives and my love to you both hoping to see you soon, Your loving son Arthur
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From: Stalag 344 15 Gepruft 6.3.44
To: Mrs R F Lovell (63 Rowlands Rd) changed to 56 Maderia Avenue Worthing Sussex England
My own Dear Mother, I find I have only one letter to answer from you and four from Betty but I felt I must write you for I may have several surprises for you. I am keeping very fit and still getting plenty of sport my football team still heads the league. Last week I played in the final of a Darts competition out of 80 entries I only lost by four. Please thanks all the friends at the Valley for there kind thoughts and prayers. I was very pleased Jim Barth is at home I often wondered where he was for he was in the East when I was last there. Yes I play cricket. I went in last wicket and pulled to victory against New Zealand last year. The frost only stopped play for 3 weeks (football). Well now two things which will surprise but I trust not hurt you. But please don’t let Edna know I will let her know. I am afraid 4yrs have altered me a lot. I seem to have lost all my longing for Edna. Wherever one is they always meet attractions different from those they may have know(n) before and I have done so. Secondly, I have been study the R.C. faith and am feeling drawn towards it I have had 3 nights until 2 & 3 in the morning thinking and praying over it. But please don’t worry He has never failed me yet. All my love to you both and kind regards to all relations. Your ever loving and faithful son Arthur.
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From: Stalag 344 39 Gepruft 19.3.44
To: Mrs R F Lovell (63 Rowlands Rd) changed to 56 Maderia Avenue Worthing Sussex England
My Dear Mother, I was very pleased to get your letter dated 14 Feb today. To know that you are well. My throat has given me no trouble for over two years now. I remember who M’??? is now please give him my kind regards. Is Ada at her old address. I also received a letter from Betty will answer next week. Well next week is my 5th Birthday from home they say the first 5 years are the worst but how many are to follow. My love to you both Arthur
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From: Stalag 344 39 Gepruft 2.4.44
To: Mrs R F Lovell 963 Rowlands Rd) changed to 56 Maderia Avenue Worthing Sussex England
Dearest Mother, I was very pleased to get your letter but sad to know that you are both feeling the strain of your present abode. Yes home seems so far away that I almost feel as if I shall stay here for the rest of my life quite contentedly. I do not feel like making a fresh start. My study of Cat’ faith is quite thrilling me. I see it as a very hard life but very high & holy living if one takes it to its full. With my love to you both Arthur.
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From: Stalag 344 13 Gepruft 7-5-44
To: Mrs R F Lovell 963 Rowlands Rd) changed to 56 Maderia Avenue Worthing Sussex England
Dear Mother, Just a line to let you know that I am well but have taken the top off the 1st finger of my right hand so am writing with left. Will you please send me the best photo you have of me alone taken just before I left home. Well I have no letters to ans. so must close sending you both my love hoping to see you soon Arthur
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From: Stalag 344 13 Gepruft 19.6.44
To: Mrs R F Lovell 56 Maderia Avenue Worthing Sussex England
My Dear Mother, Many thanks for your letter of 10.4.44. I hope by now you have received my letter and not taken it too hard. Was pleased to know that you are both feeling better for the change. I am also quite well again and back at work. It seems as if the whole summer is going to be April weather here. Well will close with kind regards to all and my love to you both. Arthur
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From: Stalag 344 15 Gepruft 16.7.44
To: Mrs R F Lovell 56 Maderia Avenue Worthing Sussex England
My Dear Mother, I was very pleased to get your letter this week dated 1Doc(?) Glad you are both well as I am at time of writing. The weather here is mild and damp a very bad winter causing much flu. Well it is nearly 4yrs since I last saw you how things must have altered. Home is beginning to seem so far removed. My kind regards to all relatives when you write and My Love to you both Your loving son Arthur.
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From: Stalag 344 40 Gepruft 30.7.44
To: Mrs R F Lovell 56 Maderia Avenue Worthing Sussex England
My Dear Mother, just a few lines to let you know that I am, keeping well. The weather here is not very good plenty of rain and not much sun shine. Still I suppose the weather is much like everything else in the world today. My kind regards to all relatives and my love to you both. Your loving son Arthur
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From: Stalag 344 13 Gepruft 13.8.44
To: Mrs R F Lovell 56 Maderia Avenue Worthing Sussex England
My Dearest Mother, Just a card to let you know that I am keeping quite well. I cannot attempt to ans your long letter of 12-5 will do so when I get a letter card. Dear Mother have no fear I shall come home your letters mean more to me that Edna’s and I shall tell her so in today’s letter. So with my fondest love to you both, your loving son Arthur.
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From: Stalag 344 13 Gepruft 27-8-44
To: Mrs R F Lovell 56 Maderia Avenue Lancing (marked TRY Worthing) Sussex England
My Dear Mother, I am keeping very well & trust you are both the same. Yes I am still working at carpentering I think it will be my trade now. Tell Betty I cannot play cricket and never will be able to again because of my finger. I shall certainly come home alright but can promise no more you will I am sure see my point of view when we have had our talk. So throw away your fears till we meet again. All my love to you both your loving son Arthur.
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From: Stalag 344 13 Gepruft 3 Sept 44
To: Mrs R F Lovell 56 Maderia Avenue Worthing Sussex England
My Dear Mother, Well we now enter on our 6th year war and we of course all say and how much longer. I hope not to long. We have had enough as you at home have also. It is pretty hot here these days. Even our swimming pool was deepened the other day. I am keeping quite well and trust you are the same. My kind regards to all relatives and my love to you both. Arthur
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From: Stalag 344 13 Gepruft 17-9-44
To: Mrs R F Lovell 56 Maderia Avenue Lancing (crossed through) Worthing Sussex England
My Dear Mother, Just a line to thank you for the photo which did very nicely. I am keeping very fit, this week I have played four games of football. The weather hear is very nice a lovely clear heat without that depressing thunder air. Well there does not seem anymore to say of course we expect to be home soon maybe for Christmas. With love to you both your loving son Arthur.
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From: Stalag 344 13 Gepruft 8-10-44
To: Mrs R F Lovell 56 Maderia Avenue Lancing (marked TRY Worthing) Sussex England
My Dear Mother, Just a card to let you know that I am still keeping very well. There does not seem any news to tell you also I have received no letters from either of you for several weeks. It has been rather dull for a few weeks but has got pretty warm again now. Well I send my kind regards to all and my love to you both, Your loving son Arthur.
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From: Stalag 344 13 Gepruft 29-10-44
To: Mrs R F Lovell 56 Maderia Avenue Worthing Sussex England
My Dear Mother, Was please to get your letter of July 29th. Yes I am still able to work. I was sorry to hear of the two deaths but I did not know Rev Willet. The weather is beginning to break here now and seems as if it will be a fairly hard winter but don’t think it can be any harder than 40 for us. Must close now hoping this will find you both well as it leaves me. Love Arthur
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From: Stalag 344 13 Gepruft 19-11-44
To: Mrs R F Lovell 56 Maderia Avenue Worthing Sussex England
My Dear Mother,
I was very pleased to get a letter from each of you this week dated 20th Sep. I(t) was nice to know that you are both keeping well. I do not however like the tone of your letter you say that you have passed another exam. For goodness sake don’t go doing to much again. We have been having some very English like weather damp and foggy today however has been very nice almost like spring. There (is) not much which we can say these days everything goes on much the same for us work and sleep with the dark night we cannot get much sport. And of course study has taken a back place we are all so over strung wait very impatiently for the one and only day which means anything to us. Betty does not seem to be on the matrimonial market yet is there still no secret lover. Well I suppose must come to a close with kind regards to all relatives when you write and my love to you both from your ever loving son & brother Arthur.
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From: Stalag 344 13 Gepruft 3.12.44
To: Mrs R F Lovell 56 Maderia Avenue Worthing Sussex England
My Dear Mother, Just a card to let you know that I am still keeping well. I have received a letter from you this week. We shall soon have another date another year is nearly over. I sincerely hope we shall not have to spend another here I am afraid it is getting over boring now we have all had enough here. Well hope this finds you well your loving son Arthur.
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From: From: Stalag 344 17 Gepruft 10.12.44
To: Mrs R F Lovell 56 Maderia Avenue Worthing Sussex England
My Dear Mother, Just a line to let you know that I am keeping very well. The weather is not much like winter plenty of damp foggy days. No we are not able to get photos done now you will have to wait now until you see me in person which we hope will be next year. Was glad to know you are both well. Does Betty still get bags of chilblains? With love to you both from your loving son and brother Arthur
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Note Diary starting 21.1.45 names camp as Stalag XXIB
From: unknown
To: Mrs R F Lovell 56 Maderia Avenue Worthing Sussex England undated.
My Dear Mother,
It is a great joy to be able to write to you again. On Monday (23.04.1945) last I was released so have been a free man for four days.
Tomorrow we start our journey home and expect to land in England on Sunday. How great it is I have so much to tell you but must wait a few more days. Please let Edna know. You will be pleased to know that I went to church within a few hours of my release. So hoping to see you soon I remain your loving son. Arthur.
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