Valerie Layton

Letter From Anthony Hughes (9-21-1939)

Year:
1939
Language:
English
Origin:
England
Keywords:
Anthony, Hughes, Valerie, Layton, 1939, Letter, Conversation, Friend September 1939 letter written by Anthony Hughes to Valerie Layton.

About The Letter - 

In this letter, Anthony Hughes writes to Valerie from England. He is currently in the army, and he cannot write much because his letters are censured. Still, he has finally settled down and has received a proper address where she can send him letters. They have just gotten to know each other at this point of writing. 

A Little Bit About Anthony Hughes - 

Anthony Hughes was a friend of Valerie’s. From what we know so far, it seems as if Anthony didn’t get to know Valerie until sometime late in 1939. Since Anthony was enlisted in the military around the same time he got to know Valerie, he was limited in what he could say to her. He couldn’t share opinions regarding the war or share personal life details due to heavy censorship. What we do know about him is that he seems to be well-educated and comes from a well-off background. He details having a butler and receiving a scholarship while attending the London School of Economics. Before the war, he lived in Clapham Park. During the war, he worked at night as a duty clerk. By 1940, despite the war keeping them apart, Anthony details that Valerie knows him well enough to send him a box of things he liked for Christmas.

See the transcript here...

Rfn W.A. Huges,

6,969,319,

G.H.Q.

ARMY POST OFFICE

21/9/39

[Pen or pencil notation. Possibly VL's handwriting]

 

Dear Valerie,

My letter to all my friends has to run on the same lines. I might just as well send carbon copies….. if you know what I mean. Correspondence has to be very one sided, because from this end there is a strict censure. The above address will find me, so you neednt be afraid to write.

I have not had any opportunity to write before now, and I do so now because I have not yet settled down properly. In due course there will undoubtedly be plenty to do. Have only been “here” a few days. Two in fact. And after so much knocking about you can depend upon it that I feel tired and worn out enough.

When you write to me please tell me all about yourself. And what you do generally:‘/’

These typewriters have not the same key pattern as those at home and you willntherefore excuse the typographical errors: All in due course:‘/’

That is about all I can say, but you will surely understand the brevity.‘/’ About all I can say is that I am O.K. except that this blinking arm of mine is giving me enough trouble:

Cheerio.

Do write soon.

Anthony [signed in red pen, something illegible written in blue pencil]

 

FRONT OF ENVELOPE: 

[...]FIELD POST OFFICE

22 SP

39

Miss V. Layton,

4, Atney Road,

Putney,

London,

S.W.15

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