91Čȱ¬

This story A8089293 is submitted by The British Schools Museum on behalf of Mrs Rosemary Ransome.

The following is a letter from my father, Sgt John Arthur Monks, to his mother Mrs B Monks in Thingwall, Barnston, Cheshire. It is undated, but the anticipated promotion in the letter, and the reference to the coming winter, shows it was written in the autumn of 1941.

He refers to ā€˜Popā€™, the gentleman for whom his mother kept house, to his sister Annie, to Gwen (Hitchings), his bride-to-be (and later my mother).
Evie (Evelyn) is Gwenā€™s sister and Ron her new husband Ron Moore. Bill is Bill Rowlands, one of Johnā€™s friends in the RAF who married Gwenā€™s sister Doreen.
The letter reads:

ā€œSgt Monks. J.A. , Sgtā€™s Mess,
RAF Snailwell, Near Newmarket, Suffolk

Dear Ma and all,
By jove I sure am losing my grip as regards writing, for in spite of my very good intention to write to all my friends and pals, as yet I havenā€™t even attempted it. The main reason why being, that when I have eventually finished down at the aerodrome I certainly donā€™t feel much like pushing the pen but I sure must pull myself together and get cracking with the pen, or else.
I do most sincerely hope that they all understand how I am placed, if they are like you they will.

It is now Sunday evening and the time is just after nine thirty when I sit me down to at least attempt my weekly effort to you, whether I will actually finish it tonight remains to be seen. If I donā€™t manage it I will make sure of it tomorrow afternoon or evening, and this is why.

I was expecting to get a half day yesterday or today but alack alas it just did not come off owing to flying. In consequence I did not get much chance to write, for why you ask. Well this is why. Friday night I was working until just gone six thirty and after cycling back to the mess and having tea it was nearly eight of the clock, so no doubt you can guess it was just on my bed-time after I had cleaned up and done one or two odd jobs which just had to be done.

Last night Saturday I had good intentions to get a bath and attempt to write but once again I was foiled for I had to go out and when I arrived back it was bed-time again.

Now tonight since I have been in the mess (7oā€™c) I have had my tea, rather late again too, had my much needed bath, cleaned up, listened to the news and here I am actually on the job, hereā€™s hoping to get well on with it before knocking off, time will tell. I doubt I will get it finished tonight as it is just on ten oā€™clock already.

Yes, I do find the stamps quite handy for I donā€™t go down town much, if at all, when the shops are open. I am very pleased to know that my last weekā€™s letter arrived in jolly good time on Thursday. I also had one from Gwen on Wednesday which I have yet to answer. My, oh my, I will have to get a grip of myself. You sure can picture the difference this week to last, of the conditions under which I am writing to you, or can you? I bet Pop at least can.

You tell me to take full advantage of another 48 hrs if I get the chance, you can bet I will, especially if I can manage a trip home, but I have my doubts because now I am i/c ā€œBā€ Flight altogether, at least for a time.

Actually I have been given to understand that ā€˜ere long I will be a Flight Sergeant, or one degree higher than a Sergeant. Time alone will tell.

Maybe now when I have a change I will be able to tackle things with added zeal for I wonā€™t have anyone to upset me only my Flight Commander. I only wish it was as easy as that.

All at 95 Westley Road were indeed pleased to see me last weekend and asked me to remember them all to you, especially Mrs Darkin (Dankin?). I am inclined to think the same as you that time alone will heal some wounds. Mrs Darkin sure was upset, for whenever she reminded herself of her daughter when telling me, she broke down and that was quite often. I sure did enjoy the change and good food and I really must send my appreciation in writing. My word, if I write all the letters I owe I will create a record for letter writing for it must be well over six.

Donā€™t worry about the two tommies that somehow or other managed to get crushed because the remainder ate very well as did the cake and pears. They were really lush to eat. Before I forget. I did receive the parcel of soap you sent me quite safely yesterday morning, Saturday and believe me it sure will be OK even if it is Family soap and not Wrights Coal Tar.

Whilst talking of parcels etc let me tell you here that I am enclosing Ā£6. Ā£1 for your birthday present (rather late but nevertheless quite acceptable I imagine) and as much of the other as you or Pop require. I know you will bank whatever you donā€™t use, for me. I am also enclosing six razor blades since you asked me to see what I could do for Pop. I donā€™t know what they are like, but these days beggars cannot be choosers, can they. I am also still trying to get him some ciggies, but as for safety matches and chocolate, well at the moment it sure does seem hopeless, so hereā€™s to the future.

My, oh my, winter sure isnā€™t far away from us, judging by what we have had these last few days. Rain (plenty of it), wind (plenty of that too), and a nip in the morning air. So long as the nights remain calm and raid-free we should not have a great deal to grumble at considering.

I am very sincerely sorry to hear that Pop has got a nasty cold (or has had). Tell him to take more care of himself. Iā€™m doing my best to steer clear of them, up to now Iā€™m pretty successful. I hope Pop is much better in fact I hope he has lost the cold he had.

Yes our ā€œEvieā€ is engaged now to her Ron. I reckon I know how you feel at not having had a letter from either Evie herself or from Ma telling you of the event but I also I reckon I know why. They know you will get to know from Gwen and I, and that one of these days they will actually get down to writing to you if they have not done so by now. I hope they have.

I reminded Gwen in my last letter to her about you waiting to hear from Ma and Evie. It sure does look as if I will have to start the ball rolling again between Bill and I for he is still writing to me. Donā€™t be too disappointed if you havenā€™t received your present of perfume from Gwen, for she tells me she is waiting for Mr Mendusā€™ new stock to come in. Iā€™m sure she will send it as soon as she receives it herself.

It does look as if Gwen loves me when she signs herself ā€œYour future sisterā€ to Annie. That will be the day when she signs herself to me as ā€œYour future wifeā€. Maybe I am expecting too much.

I hope my niece Eileen did manage to please her Grandma at least a few times when she was staying at home. I can well imagine the change in the house with a real youngster about, after the peace and quiet when you and Pop and Annie arenā€™t having a few words to say to each other.

And now folks it is just coming up to 11 oā€™c and I reckon Iā€™ve done quite well in writing as much as I have done.

In conclusion may I say that I sure am looking forward to either a 48 hrs at home or my next leave which ever comes first, for I sure could make a start in the garden, weather proving suitable.

Cheerio to all for now and hereā€™s to the next time. My very best wishes etc to everyone especially to Pop and Pa Edwards. Love to Sister and your own self from,
Your one and only Our John. xxxxxx xxxxxx "

My father's war-time story can be found on this website at Article A8090552.

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