Dangos 262 canlyniad

Mrs Harold is sending thanks for news of the bread Mrs Evans has sent to Germany. She also mentions that some of the boys are studying German and she has had requests for books to be sent. Apparently the detainees hear very little German and fear forgetting what they have already learnt. Mary also writes that her youngest son has enlisted.

Mary sends thanks for the newspaper cuttings Mrs Evans sent her. She finds it funny that they had both sent each other the same cuttings at the same time. The reason for the stoppage of the post from the prison camps, she understands to be the result of some prisoners attempting to send more postcards than the 2 a week they are permitted.

Photograph of a large group of soldiers.

Book containing: (a) List of Cadets who obtained Certificates A and B, 1908-1914; (b) Officers of the Contingent, 1901-1925; (c) Roll of Honour, 1914-1919: former members of Volunteer Company, S.W.B. or of O.T.C. and other members of college who died in First World War (95 names); (d) List of Decorations awarded to members of UCW in First World War: D.S.O., O.B.E., Croix de France, Belgian Croix de Guerre, M.C., and mentions in despatches; (e) Roll of Service, 1904-1917.

Group photograph of many soldiers.

Ifor acknowledges a postcard he has received from her dated 24 May 1917; the 1st communication he has received for more than 3 weeks. He acknowledges parcels received commenting that they are excellent but complains they lack the ingredients for a serious meal. He then complains about his suppliers. He mentions new hope arising from a meeting at the Hague. He then describes how they can get used to captivity and so long as their parcels arrive they can live fairly comfortably. However homesickness and boredom is an issue. Ifor then asks for news of a number of people (named) and writes how he is glad Willie has recovered from his wounds. He asks his mother to see if Willie can manage to write to him directly. The Welsh society is progressing along, but the heat of late is sapping people's energy. The temperature makes it difficult for Ifor to work but he is getting some reading done and is engrossed in some Shakespeare. He has also started Spanish classes and is continuing to work with Masterman's class. He asks how Gu is keeping, the censor would not let his last card in Welsh past. Ifor has received a letter from Mr Griffiths and will reply to him soon. Ifor asks his mother to pass on his kindest regards to Mrs Dale and explains he sees B. J. quite often and passes on news of him. He finally mentions 'papa' Allen who has been unwell of late and unlucky with previous exchanges. He finishes with asking for coal tar soap and Kolynes.

He writes that he is always glad to receive word from her and laments that their correspondence is limited to postcards. He states once again that he will write each Sunday and Wednesday in future. Ifor says that they had a quiet Christmas and that none of his parents parcels have yet arrived. However, they received some nice things from a store in Berlin and were treated to music from a male choir. He wraps up by expressing curiosity as to how his parents spent their Christmas.

Reply to his father's letter of 04 September 1917. He hopes is father's concert will be a success but wonders why they are singing the Hymn of Praise. Ifor hopes the choir will be singing to Welsh words, which he feels will result in a better performance than if they sang in English. As to their future home; Ifor is attached to his family not the building they live in, however he feels that Swansea is more 'pseudo' than Aberdare.

Sends thanks for regular parcels. He requests that in future that parcels are not sent through Am. Ex. Co.; they are expensive and unable to supply bread; their deliveries are slow and the parcels do not contain what he wants. He cannot understand his mother arranging parcels to the cost of £5 fortnightly. Ifor asks that his father thank Mr Jack Jones et al for two parcels he has recently received.

He thanks her for her postcards and the postal order she sent. He goes on to state that he has not received the parcel of clothing sent by Mr Gaston. Ifor writes that Mr Dale and he are well but work is not possible; his quarters are heated and provide a degree of comfort. Evans finishes by explaining that he had hoped to be home for Christmas but feels it is unlikely.

He writes that he has been in Ruhleben for just over a week. Ifor would be very grateful to feel that his parents do not worry about him. He has Messrs Dale and Heyhesdon(?) for company, they are all beginning to settle down. Ifor writes that he has purchased some materials to make some clogs and a sleeping bag in preparation for the coming cold.

Sends thanks for her parcels and asks that his gratitude be passed onto his grandmother also. He much appreciated her last parcel containing baked beans, fruit and cheese. He is also gratefully for the lemon powder his mother sent. Ifor will send a letter soon detailing his recent news.

Ifor discusses the loss of his dog and agrees his parents were right to have him put down.

He writes that they were very glad to receive his postcard and to learn he is as comfortable can be expected given the circumstances. His father asks if he should send 'this 3000 marks'. If so he should find out where it is to be sent and to get confirmation that it is a guarantee which will be returned following the end of the war. Ifor's father finishes the letter by stating that he trusts his son will do what is right and that all are well at home.

Group photograph of those present at the social.