Englishman in France Sept 1944

Letter to my Grandmother from Cpl Fred Nuttycombe (2132532) who was my Grand Uncle (in law) (Husband of my Grandma’s sister) from 14th September 1944 somewhere in France.

Mary is my Grandmother, Judd (George) is my Granddad, Ivy, Tom and Ron are their children, (My Aunt and Uncles)

Dear Mary, Judd and family

Received your most welcomed letter last week. Pleased to know you are all keeping fit and well as I am fine. Hope Judd wins his case, he should do anyway.

Sorry I’ve not answered before but we’ve been on a special job for about 8 days and now its over we’re having a short rest before going in again. Incidentally the job we did was a smashing success, and division took about 9,000 jerries, quite an assorted mob, anyway they’re out of the “Do” now, and their mates are doing a spot of running practise. Can’t see it lasting much longer now. Even if I’m not making jerry run, I help. (Raspberries)

Food is not too bad although a few home cookies go well to keep in touch with home and civilisation. I won’t say “no” to a few cakes. To stop the authorities being too quizzy, on the outside of your parcel, put the contents as books, cigs, writing paper, etc All the boys have theirs done that way, thanks Mary.

Occasionally we go out on the scrounge and get a few chicken or ducks, some spuds, tomatoes and have even had peas and French beans. Sometimes we can buy a few eggs or exchange some sardines or bully for some.

Everything here is on ‘Ticket’. Bread, potatoes and meat especially. Many places its Horse meat, ugh! I’d rather go without. The kiddies jump for our hard tack biscuits and many of the grown ups too.

One or two of the places we’ve been in have had it rather bad, not a living soul around, places look like ghost towns and villages.

When jerry cleared out he took most of the **go and furniture from the French people to send home to his own bombed out people, just leaving them the bare necessities. He even took what food he could lay his hands on. We’ve heard some very hard stories from these people, many that cannot be related through the post.

I can carry on a fair conversation with them; it’s been 16 years since I left off my French lessons. Anyway I won’t be caught short here.

Will write Ivy a few lines in French, she has to translate it herself and not ask her teacher to help her.

Pleased to know she is taking interest in the proceedings. Maybe she’ll step up one now.

Tell Tom and Ron I’ll bring them some French coins when I return. I’ve got quite a few now, also one or two German ones. I don’t think I’ll be able to send any.

So now as this is about all I’ll ring off with many thanks for wishes and offers

Cheerio: -

All the Best

Yours ever

Fred.

Fred was killed on 26th September, shortly after this letter received.

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