States that they have not had a reply to their last letter to Ifor dated 24 September 1914 and therefore assume he is now in direct contact with him. Their expenses in the matter have been 5 shillings, which they ask to be sent to their London office.
Newspaper cutting in Danish with attached translation in English. It covers the subject of British prisoners in Germany; it describes a visit made to the camp by a Mr Chandler Anderson and Hales of the American Embassy to the concentration camp in Germany.
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 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.
Notes on items received; parcel on 01 September 1915 dated 17 August 1915 from his mum; a parcel from Mrs D. Philipps (Llwydcoed) and Miss(?) M. Jones (Victoria Square); on 02 September 1915 a card from mum dated 27 August 1915; on 03 September parcel containing baked beans and bread (rotten) and a postcard of 26 August 1915. Ifor is still keeping in good health and fine spirits, is able to get work done and fit in a lot of reading. He hopes to see his mother in 12 around 12 months.
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.
Sending his gratitude for the splendid and most acceptable parcel she sends him. He apologises for not writing before but explains his correspondence is limited. Ifor says he is keeping well thanks to the parcel her friend and she send. He lists the work he is doing and asks that the Siloa choir be thanked for their kindness.
Ifor sends his thanks for the parcels she sends. Bread comes perfectly from Whiteley's. He asks that she not send eggs(?) again, they have all to be thrown away and they can buy them there. He also requests that his mother sends Bird's or Eiffel Tower lemon powder and baked beans (Heinz).
Sends thanks for parcels, not able to acknowledge as they were not numbered. Thinks he has everything that was sent, though has only received 3 lots of bread. Parcels are irregular though things seem to be settling down. Explains that rice should be better packed and that they should not send oats or tinned fish.
Writes that he appreciates that some special provision will have to be made for individuals who have spent time imprisoned during the war or have been away on military service. However he explains that they cannot draw up a syllabus for an exam when they do not know when it will take place. He also gives advice on what sort of preparation Ifor can take in the meantime, considering his circumstances.
Writes that he understands Mr Evans'reasons for not paying out the bail money demanded of the German authorities. He suggests that if they send word to Ifor that they cannot send payment without saying why, the authorities may see that money won't be sent and release him. Like they have done with the other prisoners.
Writes of the good news he has had of his brother Mervyn; he had been at the front north of Salonika for 3 months and is mainly engaged in map making. He is fortunate in that his job is more interesting and varied than most infantry officers. He then finishes the letter with discussing his disagreement over Mr Evans' statement about European civilisation having turned out to be a fiasco.
