In reply to Mrs Evans letter of 02 August encloses letters from Mr G. R. Thorne and Mr Kannreuther of Birmingham (the Dutch Consular), as well as copies of letters he has sent them. They concern arranging for Ifor L. Evans to be part of a prisoner exchange.
Harper, Holland. Thorne, G. R. Kannreuther, Mr. Dutch Consular.
Encloses a letter he has received from Mr Thorne which details the Hague agreement under which the Dutch have undertaken to provide accommodation for prisoners of war.
A reply to his father's letter of 21 May 1917 over confusion over the question of Ifor's scholarship. He explains the reasoning for dropping the modern language school idea and switching to History. Then outlines the work he is undertaking to achieve this. Ifor then details the teaching and Spanish studies he is currently undertaking. He goes on to explain that while he is stronger in French he has still made some progress in the language, just not enough for the modern language exam. He briefly covers remittances to the bank and expresses his hope that they have sent the money he requested to Thomas's family. The postal service has been extremely poor lately but Ifor refuses to dwell on it. He has received a tobacco package and one from Selfridge's. Ifor requests that in future he send Players W3 instead of the medium and hints that he would like a pipe. Ifor then moves on to correct a misunderstanding about a move to what he refers to as the Sea House. Then talks about his wishes for a proposed exchange of civilian prisoners and mentions an incident where a fire broke out in one of the stables in the compound. Finally he writes how he is pleased that the school term is coming to an end, it would appear he is looking forward to a break.
Informs his father that the arrangement with Selfridges is working well and acknowledges a 2nd parcel from them. He has received the 1st batch of Danish bread, which is an improvement over that from Berne. Ifor brings up the subject of his parents moving house and expresses how he wishes he was there to assist with the move. He then moves on to talk at great length about Welsh nationalism, his hopes and dreams for the future of the nation of Wales. He sees education of the Welsh population as the main tool of achieving his vision. He writes that his mother would understand if she saw him teaching at the camp school, his pupils all seafaring men. Ifor is still in good health though is finding the monotony of life and limited outlook a strain. He once again expresses how he longs for home but writes how he has not forgotten the social squalor and the intellectual torpor of the Welsh of Aberdare. Finishing with 'we must cleanse the Augean stables'.
Ifor struggles to write interesting letters given the present circumstances but is pleased to have a good reason on this occasion. That reason being that old Dale has broken his arm playing tennis. Ifor is well but expecting 1 if not 2 more years captivity. Then he discusses prisoner exchanges and his hopes for papa Allen. He discusses the parcels he has received and the deliveries he would like his father to arrange in preparation for the winter. He also briefly mentions the Great Duff scandal (involved someone making money from prisoners of war). Ifor finishes with a quotation from Heine.
Enclosing material (not present) that he would be happy to have forwarded Mr D. James of Dyfynnog (Chairman of the Welsh Language Society), should his father be willing. He further asks that Mr D. James be thanked for the interest he has shown in them, and assured that the Cymdeithas Gymraeg is in fullest sympathy with the aims of his society. He also gives permission for the enclosed material to be published in the Cymru, but asks that it not be further published unless it is in some other Welsh journal. Ifor goes on to briefly discuss the Welsh section of the school and his hopes that this will be the last year of their activities.
In reply to his father's letter of 16 October 1917. In response he acknowledges parcels as well as bank remittances and discusses possible changes to both. Ifor expresses his sorrow at hearing the news of E. G. Coote's death and mentions a serious (but not fatal) injury suffered by the professor (B. J. Dale). He congratulates his father on his successful concert and mentions he is having difficulty reconciling the death of his grandmother. Next he moves on to the subject of his parents moving house. Ifor mentions the 2 alternatives that they are considering, Aberdare (or Abwydeodd) and Swansea. He suggests that Aberystwyth may suit his proposed business plans as well or better than Aberdare. Moving on to the subject of Ifor's future; he mentions that had he decided on the Civil Service he would be obliged to study at Cambridge; should he choose India he will be subject to a long exile (not appealing given his recent experience); should he pick law Aberystwyth will do just as well, would allow him 3 years at home and be cheaper. Further Ifor mentions that he feels his future lies in his own 'little country'. Bangor would do just as well but Ifor writes that he would prefer Aberystwyth. He asks his father what his mother's opinion would be.
A reply to his father's letter of the 29th (December). Ifor describes his homesickness as well as his deprivation of the language and literature of his forefathers. Long hours of work have brought understanding of the latter two and he endeavours to teach those less fortunate than himself. He expresses the belief that his father will not understand until he gets the chance to speak to him. Ifor then discusses at length his father's suggestion that he is a crank, a description he accepts and somewhat revels in. There is a request from Ifor that a photograph (not specified) not be sent to the papers as a previous one had been. He expresses a loathing of 'this war-time sentimental notoriety'; fearing people at home do not appreciate the seriousness of the situation. The imprisonment Ifor has experienced has given him much time for reflection; he feels he should contribute Saesnedigiaeth and has decided they should stay true to their language and traditions. He goes on to express his ideals for an intelligent and enlightened Wales. His current contribution being to teach a footballer Dai Evans (he asks if his cousin Evan Evans remembers him). He is re-visiting Cymru again in the pages of Islwyn. Ifor hopes his Grandma received the letter he sent and states that he has not taken delivery of any parcels for 2 weeks.
Expressing his sadness that his mail is taking so long to reach him and goes into the irregularity of the postal system; he only receives 1 loaf of bread every 8-10 days and hopes they are not paying for more. He has sent a detailed account of their Welsh society (Cymdeithas Gymraeg) to Mr L. James and trusts he has received it. Ifor then goes on to detail his current teaching work and laments the failings of the elementary system in Wales. He mentions that he is reading up on Indian History himself, as they have plenty of books on the subject. Ifor asks his father if he could find out from Dr Scott as to whether he could combine History with the French section of modern languages only for the entrance scholarship. Not German. Explains that he is not strong in the language and has little desire to work at it given his present circumstances. He will write to his father on the subject of Welsh nationalism at some point in the future. Ifor details the death of one of his pupils David Thomas on the last page, his death at the age of 24 after 5 weeks illness has been a shock to everyone. He asks that his parents send money to his family; address Sarnau, Llanarth, Nr Aberayron.
Ifor starts with acknowledging parcels received. He writes that he has not been to the Sanatorium to see B. J. Dale since the accident, though Macmillan has gotten permission to visit him on 2 occasions. However Ifor was fortunate in being able to see him on his 2nd visit to the camp since his accident; he looks well and is considerably better. Ifor then discusses the prospect of taking an external London Degree; he is currently working towards his Intermediate B.Sc (Economics) which he thinks will be more useful than an arts Degree, if more work. He then informs his father that he has ordered books to the value of nearly £3, which his father will be liable for payment. However he insists that they are essential for his work towards the London syllabus and mentions he may have the opportunity to sit the examination in Germany next July. Ifor mentions that his proposals re. Aberystwyth may have startled him somewhat and he awaits his reply. He also feels his mother is not very comfortable at 45 Aberdare and hopes the arrangement is temporary. He finishes with writing that he is currently spending an hour per week with the great master Johann Sebastian Bach in the camp music shed and sends his thanks for Miss B. Richards.
Acknowledges parcels but in not as many as previously. He finds it surprising that the 2 he has received are at the maximum weight allowance and does not think they are worth what his father pays for them. Ifor has sent a letter recommending parcels from France; J. F. Evans receives Heinz goods from Penarth and complains about Selfridge's. Necessity has forced Ifor to abandon his vegetarianism; asks for ham and bacon. Ifor details his golf and the lessons he has been taking, he believes this should prove advantageous when he goes to Cambridge; his knee and temperament rules out rougher sports. He will therefore be very grateful for his clubs and for half a dozen balls every 3 months. He does not want his father to worry about his knee. He details the trouble he is recently had and the treatment he has had. B. J. Dale's accident has proven more serious but he too is on the mend. A tobacco parcel has recently arrived though Ifor is surprised the mixture his mother has sent is not nicotine free; it would appear that the mixture is too strong for Ifor. He would like to make changes to his tobacco order and asks for 100 nice cigarettes.
His father's letter of 08 July 1917 has arrived and Ifor discusses the information on the syllabus for the entrance examination he has supplied. Ifor has not done any work for the last 4 weeks having spent the time walking round and round the race course (within which the camp is located). Though he sends details of the reading he has been doing. Ifor then discusses his wish to visit the Beacons district once again, a desire that appears to have been prompted by a visit by his parents; he requests that his mother try to send some photographs of the area. He then informs his father that he was given up cigarettes but only smokes 'hard tobacco' now and requests a change in his tobacco order. He acknowledges parcels received, asks for Coal Tar soap and Kolynes. The only needs he has for clothing are breeches, a strong pair of boots, towels and handkerchiefs. Following he thanks his father for the remittance made to Das Thomas's family and then requests further remittances be made to the bank. Ifor discusses a special meal they have had recently and mentions how he is no longer a strict vegetarian. Next he goes on to discuss his family and longing to be home. He provides a list of books he would like; The Cambridge County Geography of Carmarthenshire, Cardiganshire, Ymadawiad Arthur and Gorchest Wil by T. Gwynn.
Ifor hopes that before his father gets this letter that he will have seen "Papa" Allen. The year has ended well for Ruhlebenites as on Boxing Day a list of the 1st batch of over 45s to be sent home was posted. Over 2 years worth of negotiations has finally produced results. "Papa" Allen's place is to be filled by "Billie" Lyons a London Irish lad two years Ifor's junior. Ifor writes that they get on well; he is giving Billie French lessons. Ifor is still keeping the Celtic section of the school going even though boredom is affecting attendance. He requests an increase in the money his father sends, due to the falling value of the pound to the mark. He finishes with discussing parcels; apparently private parcels are likely to be stopped soon.
Describes how snow fell yesterday and the cold has not quite gone, but otherwise the weather in April has been lovely. Ifor discusses how monotony and hopelessness have become a part of their daily lives; memories of his prior life makes letter writing an unpleasant task. He recognises the efforts people are making to get him freed but realises their efforts are futile. He then moves back to the subject of nationality as invited to do so by his father who accused him of having an idealised view of the perfect Celt. Following on, he writes about his joy at receiving a letter from Defynnog and with the censors permission will send the information he requested (likely information on the activities of Cymdeithas Gymraeg). He finishes off on the subject of parcel deliveries, acknowledging a recent package he has received. He asks his mother to make arrangements with Selfridge's to deliver 2 parcels per week, providing a list of what he would like in each. Thus 'parcels would be satisfactory and fraud prevented'.
Ifor writes at length about his feelings for his recently deceased grandmother; regretting that he will not be able to demonstrate in person the Welsh that he has learnt (his grandmother cared deeply for the Welsh language). He covers again his wishes to come home and describes his disappointment with The Hague. Ifor comments that Selfridge's parcels have improved and lists some items he would appreciate and mentions an increased allowance. He then provides a list of acknowledgements of goods received. Apparently his mother's parcel of 07 September 1917 is not yet to hand as the August Central Committee thought she was sending too much soap. The letter finishes with Ifor discussing his parent's decision to move in to a Bungalow, which he prefers to a move to Swansea.
The question uppermost in Ifor's and the minds of his fellow prisoners is will they be home for Christmas; their chances are looking good. Events are moving forward quickly but Ifor cautions that experience has taught them not to get too optimistic. Ifor expects their reunion to be a joyous one and details is expectation of going down to the polling booth to vote with his parents. Reading the paper takes up time Ifor himself believes should be spent on more serious work. He thinks himself ready for the exam next June but wonders whether it would be worth his while to go to any University. Still law still appeals to him most of all though he hopes to discuss this more once he returns home.
Sent on the day of his 3rd anniversary of leaving home, writing how no one expected him to be gone for this long. He is well and mentions having been vaccinated a fortnight previously. Monotony is their greatest enemy. He describes a concert they held on St David's day and a visit he made to the Rubhleben stage. Ifor writes how he was interested to hear of his father's visit to Mr D. James, who he would like to see himself when he returns home. Also interested in his mother's trip to London to arrange an exchange of civilian prisoners, but fears she will not be successful. Ifor hopes his grandmother is keeping well and has received the postcards he sent (in Welsh). He is reading some of Milton's poems, a task he is finding difficult but worthwhile. Ifor is also part of Mr Masterman's Modern History class. Ifor further discusses how he is keeping the Scholarship exam in mind. He asks his mother to find out from a Mr Scott whether he could take History and offer French only (not German) as an extra subject in the modern language exam. He further explains that he is considering taking the Inter London External but doubts if it will be worthwhile. The parcels being sent by Selfridges are excellent, but he only gets 2 a week. He is not as well provided for as he has been previously but the Danish bread is arriving regularly and is a vast improvement on the Swiss. J. F. Evans will be visiting him for tea tonight.
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.
