Читать книгу We Were Young and at War: The first-hand story of young lives lived and lost in World War Two - Sarah Wallis - Страница 53

Dear Trudie,

Now for it, we’re expecting it any time now. Bombs, parachutists anything. We’re fighting with our backs to the wall, only us left to defend democracy. Any invader who sets foot on British soil is for it, instant death, no mercy. Any Italian pigs, especially. Only they daren’t come out to fight! I can’t see how you Americans stand by and watch, it’s as much your fault as ours. You helped to make the Versailles Treaty. You and us stopped France from knocking hell out of Germany in 1919. And you think you’re too far away to be troubled but if our fleet goes you’re doomed. I admit the material help you are giving is welcome but I don’t think it is enough. Your air force is small but the quality of men and material are I believe first rate. This thrown into the war would I’m sure turn the tables. Okay. It’s off my chest. Please don’t think me rude.

None of your letters have been censored only your mags. Nothing crossed out at all.

Just now our country is very beautiful. The trees are greener, the flowers prettier and even the birds seem to be singing sweeter. It makes us realize that these are the things we are fighting for. I and my friends are fully prepared to die fighting rather than let the Germans take all these things from us.

After great consideration I have decided to send a snap. It is three months old though. I’ll send you a better one as soon as possible. This isn’t a good one, you will notice also I’ve spilt rubber lubricant on my trousers.

Remember me to your people tell them not to worry we’ll win if it takes a hundred years.

Yours,

Brian

A month later Brian turned seventeen and was now old enough to join his father in the 1 million strong volunteer army created in May 1940 to help defend Britain from invasion.