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Papers of John Anthony Crook Crook, John Anthony (1921-2007) classicist and historian
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ALS to his parents

Repeats news that he has sent them in an airgraph in the hopes that air mail will be quicker. Announces that he has been in action. Assures them that he is safe and 'washing and cleaning up after a very dirty few days'. Reports that his band has been split up among the companies as stretcher bearers. Cannot mention his location. Apologises that he is 'not in the mood for writing' that afternoon.

Crook, John Anthony (1921-2007) classicist and historian

ALS to his parents

Sends news that he has played solo clarinet in the Band and in the incidental music for a performance of Twelfth Night produced by a Johnian with support from the German authorities. Describes Dick Morgan, his companion since their capture. Regrets that they have been temporarily parted but hopes to be together again in the Band compound. Assures his parents that he has enough kit, mentioning Red Cross parcels. Refers to the cold. Hopes to have a birthday cake.

Crook, John Anthony (1921-2007) classicist and historian

Autograph postcard signed to his parents

Reports that he is occupied in playing the clarinet and reading. Wishes for news from his family. Mentions that he is recognised as medical personnel and so will receive extra letter cards. Sends love to Mrs Rose, Mr Bussey, Francis, Wendy and Gwen.

Crook, John Anthony (1921-2007) classicist and historian

ALS to his parents

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.

Crook, John Anthony (1921-2007) classicist and historian

ALS to his parents

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.

Crook, John Anthony (1921-2007) classicist and historian

ALS to his parents

This letter has been censored. Reports on the entertainments in which he has been involved. Refers to the good progress made with his pupil in Greek. Mentions the arrival of very cold weather. Hopes for a letter from his parents.

Crook, John Anthony (1921-2007) classicist and historian

ALS to his parents

  • Crook/E/E6/4/16
  • Item
  • Dec. 1943 (Circa. Letter undated (date possibly missing as the paper is torn). Postmarked 13 December 1943 so written before this date.)
  • Part of Papers of John Anthony Crook

Sends a photograph of the Band (not attached). Points out personalities from his old Fusiliers band: Cyril May, Dick Morgan, George Beck, Wally Lewis, Al Burke, Dicky Bird, Gus Kensdale, Arthur Carter, and Bampton 'boy'. Hopes for a letter from his parents. Refers to a production of 'Philadelphia Story' that is being staged in the camp. Assures them that he is busy with Greek, concerts and funerals.

Crook, John Anthony (1921-2007) classicist and historian

Autograph postcard signed to his parents

Expresses his happiness on receiving his first letter from his parents since becoming a prisoner. Reassures them that they have Red Cross Christmas parcels and plenty of fuel. Mentions the snow and ice.

Crook, John Anthony (1921-2007) classicist and historian

Autograph postcard signed to his parents

Follows on from E6/4/17. Reports that for Christmas the prisoners have had Carols, the 'Messiah', a Band concert, a caberet, a pantomime and decorated their barracks. Briefly repeats the content of the his first card from the POW camp, as follows: 'captured Salerno 10th Sept, with all the boys'.

Crook, John Anthony (1921-2007) classicist and historian

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