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Remarks that he spent his birthday the previous year in hospital and is spending his current one in prison. Sends news that he now plays Solo Clarinet in the Symphony Orchestra as well as in the Band. Determines, on his return home to 'start repaying' his parents for their 'years of care and sacrifice'. Hopes that they will receive a letter from the wife of his companion in prison, Hugh Morgan. Reassures them that the prison camp is well organised and he is busy reading Gibbon, playing, and transcribing Brahms.

Details his musical engagements: a pantomime, a symphony concert and 'Pygmalion'. Writes about George Beck, the old Band Sergeant. Describes the stove that he and Dick Morgan have built out of a jam tin. Thanks his parents for letters which he is obliged to use 'for an unmmentionable purpose'. Refers to his Greek pupil.

Asks whether they received his band photograph. Hopes to send them further photographs soon. Sends news that 'Pygmalion' was a success and he is playing 'Villanelle' in the Band Concert and 'Lo here the gentle lark' in the Salon Orchestra. Describes the cooking he has done with Dick Morgan, whom he praises. Send greetings to Mr Bussey and Mrs Rose.

Recalls his letter home the previous Easter and hopes he will not have to write any more Easter letters home. Informs them that he is remitting thirty pounds to them. Reports that the weather is finally improving and he is keeping busy: teaching Greek, playing outdoor concerts at football matches, and walking. Encourages Mr Bussey to write to him. Asks for news from his parents' village including of the folk dancers and 'the romantic couples who have tied themselves up'. Mentions Gus. Refers to the cooking they are doing to celebrate Easter.

Reports that he is well and his chamber music concert was a success. Commiserates his father on having to give up his work at Dulwich. Refers to the bombing of Dulwich College. Mentions that he has been send cigarettes from Cobban and the Dulwich POW fund, and from Mrs Holmgren.

Writes that he has been awake for three hours but only just remembered that it is his twenty-third birthday, which occasions sad thoughts. Assures his parents that he is keeping cheerful by keeping busy. Refers to correspondence from his parents and Gretel Grey. Sends news that Dick Morgan and Jeffrey, his family in the camp, are well. Mentions that the ban on straight plays has been lifted and The Yeomen of the Guard will be performed at Christmastime.

Reports that the weather is perfect for Christmas and he has been walking a lot. Remarks that the Camp Theatre, where the musicians rehearse, is like an ice-box. Mentions that he is revising Roman History. Refers to correspondence with Keith Cripps who also sent him news of Peter Baelz.

Reflects on whether his time in the POW camp has been wasted time. Mentions that the cinema came to the camp. Refers to the camp production of 'Yeomen of the Guards' and its director, Bob Lawrence, who gave all the performers a Christmas card.

Mentions correspondence with Tom, Peter and his parents. Tells them that he has sent them a portrait photograph. Reports that his wallet, given to him by George and Dorothy, was stolen, and with it photographs that he planned to send to Betty, Sis, Willie and Mabel, etc. Refers to Wendy and Francis' wedding. Asks whether folk dancing still happens in the old village and mentions that he tried to teach some to the other soldiers. Reports that he is at a rest camp for four days, and he and Gus attended a gramophone recital. Sends news that Osborne had his eyes re-tested and will escape the next battle. Refers to correspondence with Kath who is in an A.A. Battery in the West Country.

Reports that he is sitting at a table where people are eating and playing cards. Assures them that he is keeping busy, transcribing Brahm's waltzes for military band and teaching Greek. Mentions that he has had good sleep and cooked a potato and fish pie for he and Dick [Morgan]. Hopes to regain some of the weight that he lost whilst fighting in the desert but regrets that he will lose his tan. Wishes for a letter from his family.