Letters

I have found six letters written by my father during the war. The first was written in January 1942, not long before his capture. The last five were written not long after his liberation. It is interesting to read my father’s views at the time. So much had happened during his time as a prisoner of war. Each page of the original letters can be viewed in the gallery at the foot of this post. I have also typed up the contents of each letter.

Letter postmarked January 10th, 1942.

This letter was written approximately two weeks before Frank was captured by soldiers of the Japanese army. In the letter Frank mentions the family and a remittance that he had sent home. Read the complete letter on this page.

Jan 10th 1942 Page 1

Letter postmarked September 26th, 1945.

Frank refers to his arrival in Manila following a journey from Japan on the US troop ship “Haskell”. Frank mentions he had initially travelled to Okinawa on a hospital ship on the 18th September. Frank writes of the B-29 food and medical supply parachute drops. Read the complete letter on this page.

Sep 26th 1945 Page 1

Letter dated September 28th, 1945.

Frank asks a number of questions about his family and praises the work of the American soldiers who looked after him and other POWs in Wakayama, near Yokohama. Read the complete letter on this page.

Sep 28th 1945 Page 1

Letter dated October 1st, 1945.

Frank writes about his time in Manila, attending mass and benediction. He also refers to his impending repatriation to Australia on the US aircraft carrier “Leader”. Read the complete letter on this page.

Oct 1st 1945 Page 1

Letter dated October 2nd, 1945.

Frank is looking forward to his return. He wants his homecoming kept quiet. Read the complete letter on this page.

Oct 2nd 1945 Page 1

Letter dated October 4th, 1945.

Frank refers to his last days in Manila and the impending return on home on the British aircraft carrier “HMS Speaker”. Frank praises the good work of the American GIs looking after the liberated prisoners of war. Read the complete letter on this page.