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

  • Crook
  • Fonds
  • 1880–2008

The papers include notebooks and papers on classical subjects, travelogues and diaries, card indexes, correspondence, miscellaneous papers, and photographs.

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

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

TLS to his parents [?]

Informs them that he is writing to them on Italian paper which he found whilst foraging for medical supplies in Enfidaville. Describes the events of the previous seven weeks and tells them how he came to fight in the Eighth Army: Describes breaking up camp at Kirkup. Details his journey to the North African battlefields by cattle train and lorry. Mentions that he was Orderly Corporal to Headquarter Company during that time. Writes that he travelled via Baghdad; the Transjordan pass; Palestine, where he saw Jewish settlements; the Sinai Desert; Egypt; the Suez Canal; Ismailia, where the band equipment and spare kit was sent to Cairo and the band dispersed across Companies; and Cairo. Mentions that the band had a group photograph taken before they were split up. Complains about the 'unreal nonsense' practiced by the British Army, including saluting and arms-drill. Reports passing through battlefields at Mera Matruh, El Alamein, Sollum, Bardia and Tobruk. Writes that they travelled past Derna, Benhazi, Misurata, Homs, Tripoli, Sousse, Gabes, Medenine, and the Moreth line, before reaching Enfidaville. Reports that at Enfidaville they were sent straight into action. Sends news that his friend Ben M. was killed.

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

ALS to his parents

Describes and reflects upon soldiers, including him, relaxing on a beach by the Mediterranean. Refers to correspondence with Mrs Hulbert, Auntie Brierley, his parents and Betty, who has sent him a poetry magazine. Remarks on the engagement of 'the little flower' to 'her queer consort'. Asks whether they will have a double wedding with F and W [Francis and Wendy]. Sends his love to the Arnaps. Asks his mother to write to Willie and Mabel.

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

ALS to his parents

Thanks them for their letters. Remarks on the heat. Writes that he is learning to swim underwater. Reveals that he has had news that Betty is engaged, having written five weeks ago to tell her that he was not thinking of marrying her. Announces that he has turned down another offer of Officer training, with Major Doulton's approval. Describes his washing day. Hopes that Francis and Wendy's wedding was a success.

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

ALS to his parents

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.

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

Autograph postcard signed to his parents

Tells them that he is a prisoner of war. Writes that all the boys are with him as they stayed with the wounded. Asks them to tell everyone, including Charlesworth and Miss Evans, and to write to him.

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

Autograph postcard signed to his parents

Continues from E6/4/6. Reports that it is cold but he has enough food and the Red Cross parcels are good. Asks them not to worry. Sends his condolences to Mrs Doulton on her son's wounding.

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

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