Dangos 253 canlyniad

Mary is wondering if their boys will have any chance of getting home, having just received a letter from a gentleman who has just arrived back from Ruhleben. She informs Mrs Evans that she has just heard of the death of one of her neighbours eldest sons at Dardanelles. This had come as a shock as they had got the news in a letter from a friend (who had seen the news in the paper) sending their sympathises; they had not yet been notified by the war office.

January 1916. Mary Harold discusses their sons and how they expect them to return changed by their experience and the stories they will have when they return. One of Mary's sons was home for Christmas, he has finished his training and may be sent to France at any time. She also provides some information on a gentleman who can get money to prisoners. -- 24 January 1916. Mary is very sorry to hear of Mrs Evan's recent accident, but glad that it is not serious. She is grateful for the letter forwarded on to her from Mrs Dale, detailing how the Germans hold on to some of the things they send. Though she does mentioned that the Germans turned a blind eye to the prisoners celebrating the new year. She also details the progress they have made with the camp school and her son's recent attempts to develop his cooking. Then goes back to the subject of parcels.

States that s/he started making enquiries about Ifor upon receipt of his letter of 16 September. Starting with the Hotel Trefzer? where he had been staying and then the criminal police. From the latter s/he learnt that Ifor had been imprisoned as a prisoner of war at the investigation prison (68 Barenschanz? St). S/he visited Ifor there this afternoon; he looked well and in good health, had nothing to complain about except the lack of freedom. He is allowed to read, work and send letters (under surveillance). He can also have what food his means allows him. He'll also be set free upon the payment of 5000 marks (£250) surety, to be deposited in the Royal State Bank. The criminal police has suggested that the matter should be put to Ifor's parents. In the letter it is noted that Ifor has expressed doubts over whether the £250 would be kept safe.

States Ifor is a prisoner of war in Nuremberg, he will be released upon the deposit of 5000 marks.

Acknowledges receipt of his valued favour of the 18 instant. As regard to Ifor, he is still detained in Germany. If Mr Harper will supply Ifor's address they will communicate with him and try and obtain information of him for his parents. They will be pleased to render him or his parents any assistance they can.

Requests the address of Ifor's parents.

Something about a reply he has received to a letter about Ifor which he encloses. He hopes that the conditions apply to Ifor (likely some sort of exchange).

A drawing on the back of a postcard depicting what appears to be living accomodation at Ruhleben, possibly Ifor's own quarters. The artist is not known but if not Ifor it's probable that it was someone known to him.

Explains that he has delayed writing to her because he had hoped that he would have news that a friend of his (Willy Hesse) would be accompanying him in his tour. However Ifor learnt this morning that he would not be coming. He details the timetable for the rest of the trip to Suhl, which he expects to be in by 08 August. He promises to send a postcard each day but cautions that the postal service from the Bohemian forest is not of the best. Above all his parents should not worry. He supplies some dates and corresponding addresses which he hopes his mother will use to write to him. Ifor sends thanks for items his mother has sent him and provides details of Wechmar. He has spoken almost entirely in German during his holiday and made considerable progress.

Sent from Nuremberg. Ifor arrived by train from Bamberg this afternoon. Rain and slackness prevented him cycling, but fortunately travel in Bavaria is very cheap. He write Nuremberg is a fine old town.

Sent from Nuremberg. Writes that he is spending the day visiting this fine old town (Nuremberg). He explains that the church depicted on the card took him 1.5 hours to visit. He has found a vegetarian restaurant where he lunched in luxury.

ILE brought here (close to Berlin) earlier that same day from Neurenburg. He is well, and has his winter clothes and great coat with him. His friends Hughes and Dale are with him as well.

He says that he was to receive their postcard of the 12th and thanks them for the postal order. He then expresses surprise that their parcels have not arrived and there is no news from Nuremberg as to their whereabouts. Ifor then drops hint that a couple of strong khaki shirts and a pair of breeches would be very suitable for his present circumstances. He also asks for a copy of an annotated edition of twelfth night. Ifor goes on to inform that he is taking lessons in German and spends much of his time playing chess. He then asks his parents for a book on chess match openings before apologising for always asking for things. He finishes by stating he will write to them every Sunday and Wednesday.

Ifor is letting his parents know how pleased he is to have received their parcel of mince pies and a package from Dilys. He asks them to thank the latter but informs them that he has not received anything sent via Mr Gaston. Ifor signs off saying he is in good health and asks that they give his 'faithful hound' a biscuit on his behalf.

Ifor is longing to hear from his parents once again. He lists a number of individuals he has received correspondence from and asks his parents to let them know he will reply to them at a later date. Ifor remarks that no delicacies sent to them after 10 January 1915 will be delivered. He says that Golden Syrup, soup extracts and nut meat would be acceptable. He then asks how everyone is (specifically mentioning Jaden and his grandmother), asks if they have heard any good news and says that he is looking forward to coming home but has little hope.

Ifor is thanking his parents for the parcels he has received (a tin of biscuits and a birthday package). A experiment which may be repeated. He has also received £5 and is asking for more to be sent around the 3rd of the month. He is enjoying the books they sent, is well and fairly cheerful. Currently Ifor is exchanging French and German lessons with a man called Harold. He is also getting some grammar work done as well as his reading. Ifor looks forward to hearing from his parents and appreciates all the things they send.

Ifor is sending his gratitude for the parcel sent on the 29th January containing breeches; his knickers were in a terrible state. Now he is asking for a matching coat (half Norfolk); his coat also being in a sorry state. Ifor goes on to ask for the parcel to be made 'a weekly institution', asking for Potatoes, onions, nut meat and biscuits. For his next parcel he would like a few tins of cocoa, coffee, milk and marmite extract. He has received his money the same day. He is getting a good amount of work and reading in. He now writes every 10 days as they are permitted 2 cards per week.

He once again sends thanks for the regular postcards and parcels she sends. However he explains that the last 3 loaves of bread send were mildewed. Therefore he made arrangements with Mr Heck in Holland to send a weekly parcel containing bread, butter and cheese. He asks that all future arrangements be made through him and not through Mr Gaston. Ifor expresses his pleasure in hearing about his parent's trip to Bideford, wishing that he had been there.