210623 Private Arthur Dobinson "Smudge" Smith British Army Driver Mechanic RAOC from:Sunderland, tyne and wear  My grandad Arthur Smith was in WWII and was captured in Tubruck. He was taken to an Italian POW camp and then transferred to Stalag VIIIB. During his time at Stalag he was mentioned in the Clarion as being a producer of the theatrical events.
I have a copy of a letter which my grandad kept all of his life from returning home after the war which was sent to him by another POW named Jack whose address was Ford View Road, Stowmarket, Suffolk. The transcript is shown below dated 18 May:-
My Dear 'Smudge'
I do hope the postman won't disturb you when he knocks on your door with this letter but I feel it my duty to write for I'm sure it is a doubtful thing whether I would have made it or not without your help. I often think of those last fee days - still its a thing of the past. I sincerely hope that you're like me and progressing nicely.
You'll be surprised to hear that I didn't reach home till last Sat the 12th they pushed me in hospital for a week saying I looked rather 'run down' but really my legs were the worse trouble - they swell up a bit now when I do a spot of walking (which isn't much).
My gosh 'Smudge' it is great - isn't it - to be with the missus and kids. When you curl into bed at night how nice it is not to have that maddening phrase 'fertig machen and weiser'. I just give it a thought and cuddle up closer - my gosh its heaven.
I've told the missus all the tales of our cooking and pinching - or rather yours, even now I find it hard to keep my hands of my mother in laws eggs and rabbits - so how you must feel I don't know - still as I tell the missus I won't starve in England now.
I don't know how your stomach feels but mine won't settle down just yet, they put me on a light diet in hospital. I try a little beer but find it won't do, am not worried about that though so long as I can eat and have the arm around the missus. Am glad to say that the kiddies are fine and remembered me all right - trusting yours are the same.
So have a good time old boy - but go careful!
Best of luck to you all - Jack!
I really hope that Jack's family know who he is and that they get a chance to see this letter and feel as proud of Jack as I do of my grandad.
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