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Letter from Frank Steggals to Harold Steggals his younger brother when visiting my mother Molly and my twin brother Roger and myself (Martin) late 1943.

Background
My Uncle Frank Steggals became a Captain in the Royal Marines and sadly died of Typhoid in the Middle East in May of 1944. I found the letter today, 10th May 2005 and have just read it for the first time. The visit by Frank was one of the last visits by him to my parents home. Frank arranged to meet my father at Dawlish in Devon but unfortunately Frank’s car broke down and they were unable to meet on that occasion. My father obtained special leave to meet Frank at Dawlish shortly after and it was the last time that they saw each other. All Frank wanted to do was to settle down and have a family like my father. My identical twin brother in Birmingham has a photo of me sitting on Frank’s knee in the park. I now know why my father took us on holiday to Dawlish in the late 50’s. There are a number of letters I have still to read and try to put in reasonable order.
My father was a well built man some 6ft 2 1/2inches tall. Frank was somewhat smaller but still a fine figure of a man. Frank is buried in Alexandria in a War Graves Cemetery.

The letter: -
Herne Hill
Thursday
My Dear Harold,
The washing up is just finished and now Molly and myself are busy writing.
The babes are in bed after their playtime during which Martin kept careering round the floor making Roger chase him. They have been in great form all the afternoon. We took them to Dulwich where they played on the grass. It was very difficult preventing them from eating the many leaves that now are about. Martin stayed awake whilst we had tea but Roger was fast asleep. Martin was on my knee and nearly upset my tea and kept asking for a piece of my scone. They are truly magnificent and I am bringing Beryl over on Saturday to see them.

I am glad of having the opportunity of visiting Molly and the nibs and being pleased to see them all looking so well. The babes insist on calling me ‘Da Da’ although I tell them I am not good looking enough.

My leave is fast drawing to a close, but I have enjoyed it very much, and now looking forward to seeing you again.

I visited Aunt Em and Uncle Alf yesterday who send you their love and thank you for news. Cheerio for now, best of luck and best wishes from little brother Frank.

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