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"This story was submitted to the People's War site by CSV/´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Nottingham on behalf of Charlotte Robinson with her permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions"

c/o RECOVERED P U W MAIL CENTRE BOMBAY INDIA
Dear Lila and Arthur
I have no need to tell you of the unbounded joy it gives me to be able to write to you all again, as you know. It is almost four years ago since I was able to write a full letter home, and I can assure you it is almost impossibly hard to even use a pencil after so long a time. Still 1'm not doing so bad on the penmenship up to now.
Well Auntie, it is over at last, the sun is shining though the dark clouds of the past six years; and, thanks to the providence of the Lord I have been fortunate to see it through and come out of it in a good state of health.
I don’t intend dwelling on events in Thailand this past three years for they are best left alone so far as mail is concerned, as I can tell you when I come home.
I have received 4 letters from Nancy 4 from yourself, and the same from Fred. I received my first letter from home 1 year ago. I am glad you are all OK and in good health. It gave me the greatest of joy to read Nancy's first letter, well done Nancy and Stan. I fully expected such information eventually. Give my regards to Sam (and his son if he has one, knowing Sam I fully expect so).
Tell the Old Gell to keep the bar in .good order, shall be using it soon. [ hope Uncle Arthur is at least a Corporal by now other-wise he'll have to take orders from me (I don't think).
Auntie, things are moving fast now, 15 planes to P O Ws from this camp to Rangoon today and I shall leave tomorrow and stand a good chance of getting home by Xmas. It's almost a surety.
My regards to a11, I shall have to close now as they are waiting to take the letters on the last plane. Next letter will he more concise. I have already sent Fred an Air Mail card.
I can't write any more as it is too late.
Please accept my apology and remember me to everyone. Please send me photographs of everyone as I lost all mine at Singapore '42
All the Best. See you soon.
Good Luck and Cheerio `till next latter Yours Truly,
Love Jim, xxxxxx
The plane is warming up.

Lc/Cpl J T Ford No.
5776727
4th Royal Norfolk Regt.
3/9/45
Dear Lila, Arthur, Nancy and Keith
At last, at long last, the tyranny and suppression which has been practiced by the world's greatest triple criminals, is at an end. In fact, a merciful end as regards humanity itself.
Thank God that the Allied Powers have been allowed to reach a grand and victorious end: a horrible and trying six years of conflict drawn to a glorious and humane ending. Only the highest praise is good enough for all, and everyone who fought and administered this conflict to a peaceful conclusion.
Today I saw my first film since December ‘41. `Shine on Harvest Moon' Ann Sheridan. also saw my first glimpse of the devastation and destruction of Germany; horrifying , I admit; and absolutely thorough. "They Asked For it". I was overjoyed at seeing the massed entry of British and Allied troups also envoys, marching, driving, and flying into the heart of the enemies camp. Yet I was sad and maybe a little mad at having been deprived of my chance of a small part in this grand march past: Still, to have seen the end of our friends, the Bombastic, Cruelly Sadistic Suppressors of the whole of the Far East beaten to their knees, and swallowing their own vile ignorance of their own propaganda; made one feel good. "THE LITTLE YELLOW MEN" ; Yes they have had their day and. believe me it was a busy one too. Complete and Utter Annihilation could hardly have been severe enough, and they can thank their lucky stars that we Allies are human'. went to a defeated enemy.
Well, Auntie, Uncle, Nancy and Keith, I am happy to say I am in absolutely perfect heath, and spirits. We ark! all being cared for the British Red Cross Sisters, with full assistance of the I A M C here in Rangoon. I have been here three days now. and enjoying every minute of my time; we are all awaiting for boats to take us on to our next stage of our journey home. The food is exceptionally good, the washing and shower facilities are adequate and the beds with white sheets and pillows are luxurious.
I shall not touch upon any of my past three or so years, I can make it more interesting verbally. I shall do my best to try and compile a few talks during my journey home, while I have time to think. It will be very interesting to swap experiences with P OW Robinson. " Hard luck Stan" Still someone has to be unfortunate, why not us?
The Red Cross people here are working absolutely flat out trying to cope with the large intake of heavy sick; which as you know are being flown from Siam horror camps to safety and Allied hands. Royal Air force and United States Arm are ceaselessly corning and going on their errands of mercy -Thanks Lads, a good job finely handled".
I myself flew from Pechalum to Rangoom in a U S Dakota Plane. It was almost three hours of air travel." We built the Drorne just in time to take us home" a slogan just by the boys. It was a grand trip. I thoroughly enjoyed it, although the weather was bad owing to the monsoons.
I will send a photograph as soon as possible. Please return snaps asked in previous letter, sorry I had to skip it. Aircraft don't wait these days, Still this one will make up for it.
I am going to send Aunt Liz an Air Mail letter: I'll have to hurry as I am going to Rangoon to a cinema show. My respects to everyone, hope you are all OK. Don't forget the Old Gell. I'll write her when I get the address from you, include Stans' Congratulations Nancy, no more than I sincerely hoped and expected.
Yours truly, Best of Health and Luck.
Cheerio for now............... Love Jim xxxxxxxxxx

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