The Wartime Memories Project - The Second War

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210623 Private Arthur Dobinson "Smudge" Smith British Army Driver Mechanic RAOC from:Sunderland, tyne and wear North Africa 1940s - Arthur Smith back row 2nd from the right 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. Anne Prentice Add to this record.  Related Content: Royal Army Ordnance Corps Can you help us to add to our records? Add a record to our website. The names and stories on this website have been submitted by their relatives and friends. If your relations are not listed please add their names so that others can read about them Did you or your relatives live through the Second World War? Do you have any photos, newspaper clippings, postcards or letters from that period? Have you researched the names on your local or war memorial? Were you or your relative evacuated? Did an air raid affect your area? If so please let us know. Help us to build a database of information on those who served both at home and abroad so that future generations may learn of their sacrifice. Contact us. Celebrate your own Family History Celebrate by honouring members of your family who served in the Secomd World War both in the forces and at home. We love to hear about the soldiers, but also remember the many who served in support roles, nurses, doctors, land army, muntions workers etc. Please use our Family History resources to find out more about your relatives. Then please send in a short article, with a photo if possible, so that they can be remembered on these pages.

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