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Private J. D. Caves: The Long Journey Home

20 August 1944 Stalag VIIIB, Teschen, Germany

20 August 1944 Stalag VIIIB, Teschen, Germany

My Own Darling Girl,

Surely you can imagine our lives. Barbed wire and steel bars predominate so much that it is little wonder our minds become crabbed and rusty. One builds hope on hope to see them topple, one begins to doubt himself, life, God and the use of living in a world of madness. Many with me have had over four years of this life, yet those of us sane enough realise just how hard it is for wives and sweethearts at home - not that that makes our lot better. Often the fool is happier to see the meaning of so little and there is so much to see here that has long stories of misery behind to one of imagination and compassion.

One thinks at times that to bring children into this world is a crime. However we are fit and parcels regular. Books and bridge and work occupy us here. Well my dear, we'll marry early in '45. I guess if you still want the chap I now am.

page 109
Photograph of POWs playing cards at Stalag VIIIB.

Photograph of POWs playing cards at Stalag VIIIB.