Evacuee Boys by John E. Forbat Read Free Book Online Page A

one, but the matter is urgent, because there are so many people booking seats for the 11.19 bus on Thursday that I am afraid that we cannot get seats unless you send the 12/- down as soon as you get this letter. I tried to reserve 2 seats, but I was told that I must pay straight away. I should be glad to receive 1/- extra for a school cap. I think you will understand, that if I cannot get the seat on that bus, the I shall not arrive till later in the evening, or have to go by train which cost 16/- instead of 12/- for two of us. So please, as soon as you get this letter (first post to-morrow, I hope) post 12/- by telegram if possible, so that I can book the ticket to-morrow or Friday the latest. Even Friday might be late. From the wireless I understand that you received letters from the Ministry of Health & the Board of Education – not to bring us back for the holidays, but do not worry about that, it is nonsense.
    The situation regarding John is unchanged. I have some more marks available, they are; French – 90%; Shorthand 96%; Book-keeping 79%; Arithmetic 86%; General knowledge 64%; Scripture 50%; Geometry 100%; Composition 85%; Average 86%. Total 510 out of 600. I am top in every one of the subjects mentioned here, and I have the history, english & algebra results to come yet.

    Lots of love from
    Andrew

    2 May 1940
    Dear Mum & Dad,

    Before turning to slightly more unpleasant subjects, I should like to offer you my best wishes for your coming wedding anniversary on the 5th inst. May God give that you will have a much happier year than the last one, & that we might all soon be together, & that Daddy’s business might take fortunate turn, that we shall all live a happy & long life together. May the Lord God free you from all worries & troubles, illness & sorrow, & let him fulfil all your ambitions & desires.
    I am sorry to say that I have no money to buy you anything, even so much as a flower or a small souvenir for the occasion. However we may almost assume, that or arrival to London next Friday or Saturday, will be a present, even thought you will have to pay the postage in advance.
    I cannot understand why you complain as to lack of news from us, as I only received about two letters from you in the past fortnight, & if anybody, it was me who ought to complain. I do not only write when I want something, only if I’d want it, then I mention it in the letter. If I have only been writing postcards that was because John spends about 6 d a week on 2 d books, & on that come sweets & pictures, so that I have not much money left, as even with reasonable economy, money goes like a flash – think you have experienced that yourselves. Will you please forward my enclosed letter to Zsuzsi 17 for the occasion of her birthday, as I do not know the address. I shall write to Grandfather too, for his birthday.
    There is not much news, since my last card, everything is the same every day. I have a lot of homework, writing letters, or if not that, then helping with gardening. If I do not do any of those, then John expects me to go out for a ride or walk with him, so life in Melksham is pretty monotonous. That is the reason why we go to pictures once a week.
    I have been going to Synagogue (or rather a service) quite regularly since Pessach. I did not go on Tuesday morning, because it was raining hard. Both of us have been keeping to Matzo quite regularly during the eight days, & it was a relief on Tuesday night to have bread for supper.
    Rosemary has got a slight touch of mumps, & I asked in school what I was to do, & I was told to go the same as usual. I very nearly came home on Wednesday morning, I already had my things packed, because of that. Now I am gargling, just to safeguard against infection, but I so not think that any harm will come.
    Talking of harm, I quite agree with you that it was silly of us going in the open-air baths. I did not want to go in but John insisted, but I should not have gone in if I had known how cold the