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Correspondence of family member of Ellen Fox

John Ewart was born on the 20th of October 1919. He joined the navy as a cadet before the war started. He was a gunner on a ship.

This material has been uploaded onto the website by Ellen Fox 鈥� John鈥檚 younger sister. Ellen was only 5 when John left, so she barely knew him when he finally returned home, six years later.

This is a transcript from a series of postcards and letters sent over a period of 2 years (Sept 1942 鈥� Sept 1944 from John Ewart 鈥� Rank and number A.B. P/JX147741 - who was a Prisoner of War (POW) in Italy and later Germany. The letters were sent to his Uncle Jack in Australia.

1st postcard in series
John is in Camp Concentramento P.G. n 66. P.M. 3400
Correspondence begins:

Dear Uncle Jack 9-9-42
Just a few lines to let you know that the worst has happened I am a POW. Is it asking too much if you could send me through the Red Cross a food parcel, hope I am not imposing too much. Ever your loving nephew John.

The Postcard is addressed to
Mr J Davison,
59, Sixth Avenue
Lidcome
N.S.W.
Australia

2nd correspondence
This has been sent on 31st January 1943 from
JW Davison
59, Sixth Avenue
Lidcome
N.S.W.
Australia

It is addressed to
Mrs N Ewart
78 Eastern Way
Cowgate
Newcastle on Tyne
England

Dear Nellie
Received yours of 17/12/43 on 21/1/44. We are all sorry to hear of Walters death following his long illness. John wrote to us from a POW camp in Italy on 9/9/42, we received his P.C. on 23/1/43 and replied to it on 26/1/43. Unfortunately at that time the Red X people stated that arrangements had not been made for sending food parcels. John wrote again on 5/7/43 this reached us on 27/12/43. We are not surprised to hear that he has been moved to Germany as our daily papers stated that British prisoners were being moved from Italy as the Allied Forces landed on Italian soil.
When we get Johns address we will get in touch with him again. Jean is spending part of her school holidays with us. She is taller than both of us, 15陆 years old and in good condition. We are all enjoying good health, the weather is very hot and I am not enjoying it. Give our love to Mother and the kiddies. We await your next letter. Ruth and Jack. J.W. Davison

3rd letter
From John, now in Campo PG 52 PM 3100

Dear Uncle Jack, July 5th 1943
I was indeed delighted when I received your kind letter dated 26/1/43. Thank you so much for your kind attention as regards food parcels. I am glad to inform you that every prisoner is receiving from the Red Cross 1 food parcel per man each week, so I am much better off now than I was when I last wrote. Everyone at home are well and I have another sister so mother says in her last letter. Joe who is in the RAF is in Africa and was last heard of enjoying himself. Well Uncle lines are limited so I am sorry I must cut short. Give my love to Aunt Ruth, Aunt Lily, Uncle Bob and Cousin Jean. Ever your loving nephew, John.

4th letter
From John, in Stalag 8B, Gebruft, Germany

Dear Uncle Jack, 27/11/43
Just a few lines to let you know I am alright. It is now eighteen months ago since I was captured on the 鈥淲estern Desert鈥�. By the marks on this card you can see for yourself that I am now in German Hands. I must say I feel and I really am a lot better since I鈥檝e got over the worst experiences as a POW. My family is faring very well, (Ewarts) (I鈥檓 not married yet) but for the fact that Dad has had two serious strokes and I鈥檓 slightly worried about him. Walter is married and a proud father of a little son. Please excuse abrupt note. Give my love to Uncle Bob, Aunt Ruth, Aunt Lily, Jean etc. Your affectionate nephew, John.

5th letter
From John, in Stalag 344

Dear Uncle Jack 25/9/44
Thanks for your kind letter dated 20/3/44. I am pleased to know everyone is as well as can be expected. Mother tells me in her letter that she feels more settled now that she is getting over the loss of Father. Do you know? Mother lives 3, Chathill Terrace, Walker now. Myself I am as well as can be expected under the circumstances, I am still getting the Red Cross Parcel weekly also 25 cigarettes. Thanks so much for your enquiries to the Red Cross but now I am more or less settled till the War ends.Give my love to Aunt Ruth, Uncle Bob, Aunt Lily, Jean. Ever your Loving Nephew
John. Please excuse abruptness.

At the end of the war, the prisoners of war were being moved. John was sent (along with other prisoners of war) into a wood with a German Officer. The Officer told them all to separate 鈥� they were on their own. John was found by some partisans and sent to a family house in Checkoslovakia.
The family hid him until he was re-patriated.

In June 1945, Ellen received a telegram while her Mother was at the theatre. She opened the telegram, which said that John was returning the next day.

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