Schwiednitz
October 2nd 1918

My Dear Parents,
Time has once more arrived when liberty is taken to write a few straggling lines, to my loved ones who appear to be living in realms unknown to me; it seems so strange & mysterious, and nothing short of a miracle would have to occur in order to make things in the outer world more realistic. I seem to have lost all conception of what it is like to be free, perhaps this state of stagnation which seems to have come over me, is welcome, as otherwise I might become melancholy, and morde. Referring to my notes on correspondence I find that I’ve received letters from Dad Aug 14 and Mother no. 16 Aug 9, Jo Aug 1 no. 8 & Aug 17 no. 9. All your letters arrive in numerical order I needless to say all photos reach me safely. The last I received were two of Julia & Jo in connection with a wheelbarrow. All my pals express their opinion in saying what a fine sister I have, of course I agree to everything nice when referred to dear Jo. Now that I’ve soft soaped you (although the facts are true) I want you to send me those photos which you think too nice, or too - well you know, anyway I’m old enough & quite capable of standing the shock. Of course I won’t show them to anyone. My parcels are coming in OK now, and the sowing outfit has safely come to hand. I felt when I handled it, a certain influence of love so characteristic of home, oh, I wish I could express my gratitude for all that you have done for me, but I cannot, it is beyond my capabilities, the value of having loving parents has been very severely brought home to me recently, my inseparable chum “Williams” has been informed of the loss of his father, poor fellow, he is terribly cut up about it, and to make matters worse, there seems to be nobody capable of looking after his Mother, and he fells so helpless in the matter. So the agreement of exchange has fallen flat! well, well, s’pose must look forward to a few years more in this country. What a disappointment to some it has been, I’ve got beyond everything now, & if it rained “Ford cars”, I don’t think I’d w orry. Have been so busy lately with preparations for the coming show “The Girl from Oolong” which takes place next Friday, so - much - so that I did not utilise a post card which I had to my credit for the month. between farming, & Property making I’m apt to forget sundry duties, especially the cooking. However, there’s been a lull in the storm, & this afternoon I have done some washing, 4 shirts, various socks, cap covers, & a towel, which is rather a big deal for me, as it’s a job I detest. I’ve received five tins of tobacco so far. I guess you get my acknowledgement cards. Have not played football lately, it’s rather a question of shoe leather, I have to think of the future. Yes I did receive Daff’s letter, (awfully good of her) but she’s taking long enough over the second. Have not heard from Dorothy lately, I wonder what’s smatter with ‘Er. We did not get the billiard table after all, like a lot of things, it turned a “wash out”. I’m getting quite a good collection of photos (varied) which will prove worthy of Jo’s hordes (which by now ought to be swelling some). I’ve got Chu Chin Chow on the brain, & I will have until the termination of the show. The weather (Alfred’s topic) is getting colder & signs of the coming winter are to hand. One thing I’ll miss skating here, as it appears we are not allowed such facilities. Jo says something about writing to a pal of mine at Ströhen (Julia told me I should say) however if it was Charlie Trooper I’m afraid the bird has flown to another camp, nevertheless your letter will be redirected.
I wonder whether the Board of Education will send me those books? As it is now, I’ve difficulty in getting a loan of them when required. Fancy the Marconi Co. not increasing our pay, I suppose they think they are doing enough in keeping us here and sending no parcels. Our “Union” are trying to float a scheme whereby our colleagues may send us cigarettes, a fine thing if it comes off, although personally I’m not keen on cigarettes, much prefer the pipe. I am keeping very fit physically & have rid myself of boils, but do not expect to remain for long enjoying such unmarried beauty. Everyone knows me in this respect & am quite a noted character for eruptions of allsorts.
Now I must conclude trusting all is as can be expected under such miserable times as these,

So I’m sending you this little letter,
And think it hardly kind,
That it should go to you today,
And leave old Reg behind.

Heaps of love & kisses,

Your ever loving son
Reggie.

A.R. Beynon 131
O.G. Lager 1.
Schwiednitz.