Michele writes that she has received a postcard from Ifor and in the belief that he cannot write to his parents directly, is passing word to them that he is well. She recommends that if his parents wish to try writing to Ifor that they should do so in German.
Thanks ILE's mother for her card, and taking an interest. ILE states that his mother speaks French, so he can use his maternal language, forgive him the momentary lack of his paternal language. ILE sends his love.
How is ILE? Writer has gone to war and has been at the frontlines since the beginning. He has experienced great misfortunes, having lost his brother, mother and little daughter. The only person left to him in the world is his wife. He asks ILE's opinion of the war and states that England has good reasons for pursuing its participation in the war with vigour. Morale is excellent. He awaits ILE's letter impatiently.
Ifor writes from the investigatory prison in Neurenburg. ILE thanks him for his card. Please inform ILE's father that he is well, but that he finds himself held as a prisoner in Neurenburg. Could he send 25 pounds to the American Consul there, who will pass the money on to ILE. Could he also send 3 cards to Mrs. Dale, Hughes & Harold to inform them that their sons are all well, but also imprisoned here in Neurenburg. Things are not going too badly, ILE has English friends here.
From Nuremberg. Thanks for postcard. Unfortunately ILE has to inform him he is being held as a prisoner of war in Nuremberg. He hopes to be released in some days. Otherwise he is well. Please send this news on to his father. He fears to die here before the end of the war.
Thanks for postcard of ILE's father that he received today. Unfortunately ILE is being held as a prisoner of war for 5 weeks now. Remainder partly unreadable - something about Prussia. Please tell parents not to fear for him.
Thanks for letter received today. Returning a card instead of a letter as it is more certain to be received. 3000 marks is wanted to release ILE from confinement. ILE is well and cannot complain about his treatment, but he longs to be released. The prisoners are allowed to walk in the court every day for 3 hours and they can get supplies from the prison or the town. The Consul takes care of them. Please greet his parents.
Thanks for card of 7th this month. ILE is well. Please inform parents I can be released from prison in Nuremberg in return for 3000 marks bounty. Dale and Hughes have been released in the town for the last 3 weeks because of their health. Send greetings to my family.
Thanks for letter of 4th this month. ILE answered this before, but the letter was returned as undeliverable, so now attempting postcard instead. Held here as a prisoner of war for these last four weeks. Things are okay, and ILE has his books and other stuff with him. He has received his money from home. Please send this news on to his father.
Starts with Ifor wishing his parents a happy new year. He is wondering why I has not received a parcel sent to him through Mr Gaston early last November and requests they make enquiries; Ifor has not so far received any packages from his parents. Ifor explains how he has meet several people from south Wales (including Mr Davies, Mr Jenkins and a Mr Lewis). He states that he is getting a little work and reading done. He also asks for a further £10 to be sent to him via Mr Heck. The postcard is finished off with Ifor asking for his best wishes to be passed on to Willie and sends love to old people.
Ifor sends thanks for the £5 postal, books and postcard of the 18th. He explains how he looks forward to hearing from them and the more they write the happier he'll be. He asks where Willie Hodges is, explaining that he received a postcard from him at Christmas. Ifor says that they are all settled and resigned to a long stay, then informs his parents that it is best to send parcels direct. He has met Harry Player for the first time and is getting much reading done, having found he is able to get books through a supplier in Munich.
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.
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.
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 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 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 letting his parents know that he feels that it has been a long time since he has last heard from them. He notes that sent parcels are still missing, however he states once again that the birthday parcel and the biscuits were most acceptable. Ifor is asking for 100 marks to be sent each month; he apparently spends approximately 15 marks each week. He stresses that his time is not being wasted and briefly outlines what he is learning. Ifor hopes his parents are well, asks after Willie and asks that they write to him as much as possible. He asks how Prince is, then requests that they send him a dozen handkerchiefs and knitted stockings.
Once again Ifor sends thanks for parcels and postcards. He asks that his parents pass on his thanks to Mrs D. P. Davies and Mr Jack Jones for the things they have sent him. Ifor says that their party is still together and in as good spirits as can be expected given the circumstances. The bread from Whiteley's arrived for Dale and himself in reasonable condition. Finally he sends thanks for the Tabacco and Eau de Colgne.
