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This story was submitted to the People`s War site by Alan Magson of Age Concern Bradford and District on behalf of Audrey Hepworth and has been added to the site with her permission. The author fully understands the site`s terms and conditions.

In 1944, Audrey Hepworth`s father Charles Leslie Broxholme, then living in Bradford, received a letter from his good friend J.P. (Joe) Taylor —

“ Dear Leslie,

I have your letter of the 22nd before me, and it seems such a long time since I received it, I really don’t know how to start to reply. Your opinion of me for not replying before now, must be very low.
I am not going to give any excuses, because I know you realise the position we are very often in which makes it difficult to drop a few lines and then when I do, very often it takes weeks for them to get there.
The letter received yesterday, they havn`t heard from me for over a month and I make a practice of writing to them at least once a week.
But what can I do !
However, by this time you should have fully recovered from your Influenza and I hope that you all at home are enjoying the very best of health.
I can hardly believe your Audrice sitting for an examination at school.
She seemed so very young when I last saw her. Somehow I cannot get it into my head, that I am getting older.
I will be coming home expecting everyone to look the same, and that is where I`ll probably get a shock, especially if I am out here many more years.
There seems to have been a rather unlucky spell down at the shop.
Apparently one asn`t to join the Army to be killed. .
Herbert`s last letter told me about the new fellow. Danny would be upset when he found out what had happened wouldn`t he ?
Give my best to Syd and the boys. Tell them we could just do with a weight lifter like him out here, to help with loading shells.
Did Jacky French hear his sons request on the wireless a few nights ago ?
It is wonderful here tonight. Although a little cool, to the climate we have been used to. It is impossible to explain, how nice it is to see green trees and things for a change. Very much like our own countryside.
I suppose I will have left the ( unreadable name of friend) far behind, although I tried dozens of times to locate him, they all failed, many of my letters being returned.
Please remember me to your mother and father. Someday we`ll probably be able to pay them a flying visit, and go down to the spa again.
I have been trying for some time to bring your sister to mind, but it`s hopeless.I seem to have completely forgotten her.
I do believe that this last four years away from civvie street is making me lose my memory.
Anyway, although we are far away from home, we are getting nearer every day, and I do believe that soon we will be taking our first step, and be with you all once more.
Well must conclude.
Hoping to hear from you again very soon.
Cheerio, your old pal
Joe “
I CERTIFY ON MY HONOUR THAT THE CONTENTS OF THIS AIR MAIL LETTER CARD REFER TO NOTHING BUT PRIVATE AND FAMILY MATTERS “

4 months later Joe was killed in action in Italy.

The newspaper cutting shown in the photograph belonged to her father-in-law John Hepworth who served in the Far East in WW2, and show the very landing craft in which he served.

This poem was written by ` Leo `, a friend of John Hepworth whilst a POW of the Japanese.

“ A LITTLE REMEMBRANCE “

“ From the time that I am internee of the Japanese Camp.

15/11/`42 — 15/8/45

MY CEL

In my cel it`s so still
It`s so dark and so chill
But within my heart a fire
Keeps me awake and make me tire
Happy freedom is my home
And to Him my prayer goes
Set me free end my woes.
Whispering voices from within
Tell me to be brave and trust in Him
Every cloud must have a silverlining
And the sun is always somewhere shining
Every ship will reach it port
If the captain trusts the Lord .

Your friend

Leo. “

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