May 12, 1942

103 Harvey Lane
Norwich, England

My Dear Ern:

Many thanks for the cheque for 5 pounds received this morning – it’s so kind of you at such a time.

I expect you are wondering about us all the time. Thank God we came out of such terror as well as we did. We had a cable from Bert asking if we were safe. I wrote a few lines and then asked him to forward it on. I felt I could not write it all over again.

You remember I told you dad and I always got in our little cupboard under the stairs. We got in as soon as we could, and it seems the bombers were over us before we had much chance of anything. Of course we know by the sound they were very near and then such an explosion occurred. An H.E. bomb dropped right in front of our house. Then the whole wall pushed Dad and I right on our stomachs, and then debris fell on us. We saw the whole ceiling falling, but it seemed to have hung part-way. Of course we were in darkness as is was about 11:30 PM. I could see the window ( the one on the picture I sent where dad sits in his chair reading) was completely out – nothing but the wall left. Of course I called for help but of course no one heard with such a noise. So, as dad is bigger than me, he seemed to have most debris on him – he was quite pinned down. I struggled and pushed all the stuff I could, and managed to crawl out there. I got through the window and ran and called for help. Two soldiers came back with me to see just where dad was. Then they got more help, but took me away in the meantime. The next thing I knew Aunt Elma came and said Walter was on a stretcher and not seriously hurt.

Ern, it was a miracle how I got out! God gave me strength! You can guess what a shock it was to us both. Here we are in cousin George’s house. He and his wife are away, so it’s fortunate we could come here. It seems I can hardly believe our nice little home is gone. We were so happy and comfy, and we don’t want this kind of thing at our time of life. But, I pray we may not experience anything like it again. When will this terrible war end? It’s a nightmare to me. There are so many in the same plight as we are, and everybody is ever so kind to us. I’m glad to say Dad is fairly well considering what we went through and I ought to say the same about myself.

Oh Ern, I thought of my dear boys and I know you are praying for us, and I felt our heavenly father would help us through.

We have lost almost everything! I am afraid what stuff I salvaged will not be much use. Of course we are putting in claims for everything. We’ve put in claims for personal effects. There’s lots of money for bombed-out people and the distressed. They send an officer to anyone who is unable to go to the office. We soon had the means to see us, and I got our pensions through for us. You see, all our books and papers of importance were in the debris. I have always had a leather bag with all my valuables in, with bank book, bond certificate and other things of importance and all our jewelry – dad’s gold watch and chain and other things. They are all under the debris. I had that bag right near me so I could pick it up quick, and then came the crash too quick for anything. So, we have to see about when they salvage the house. The police know it’s there. I had some money there too in case of emergency.

Ern, I could tell much, but it sickens me. We four, Aunt Elma and Uncle Jack are with us so we live here together. But you see, dad and I seemed to be dependant on others and dad cannot help as you know. He does manage to get to the post office. It’s only about five minutes walk from here and he takes his time to get our pensions.

I had a letter from Aunt Ada this morning. She tells us Hilda is not well. I hope by now she’s better. Perhaps when the boys are gone away and there’s just Ruth and the two little ones, it will not come so hard on Hilda. Surely Ruth should be a great help in the home, and don’t let the smaller ones get the upper hand. It would be much nicer and less trouble to Hilda.

Now Ern, once again I must thank you for the money you sent. It’s very thoughtful of you, but don’t worry about sending more. There’s plenty of money here for bombed-out people. Uncle Jack went this morning (as he was told to do) and got 10 pounds right away to get some clothes with, but dad and I don’t have to go and fetch it. They send someone around to all old-age pensioners which are well thought of. There’s lots to be thankful for, yet I can hardly believe our nice little home is gone. We had all we wanted in our home, but there it is , we must do our best - we must be thankful that we are saved so far. I am so glad dad is keeping as well as he is. You must excuse me using pencil. I lost my fountain pen and everything. I hope to get another soon.

Of course, you can imagine dad was very badly bruised and was in pain for a few days. I was bruised a bit and hurt my wrist. I think I was trying to move the debris. A Red Cross man soon bandaged it up for me and it’s not very painful now. We are beginning to feel ourselves. A neighbour has given us the use of his shelter. I dare not stay in the house. As for Aunt Elma’s grandson, we thought he nearly was killed, but he is in hospital and was seriously hurt.

O well, I don’t think I can write anymore. Dad sends his love and thanks you.

Ever loving, Mother