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Describes the Christmas preparations in the POW camp. Expresses his wish that he was at home with his parents, thanking them for all they have done for him. Reports that he and Dick Morgan's recognition papers arrived. Writes about the camp's Christmas production of 'Yeoman of the Guards'.

Sends news that he is in a permanent camp. Reports that the weeks travelling through Germany after his capture were hard but he is now properly clothed and feed. Observes the variety of his fellow inmates. Mentions that nearly all the members of his band are in the same camp. Wishes his family a happy Christmas.

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.

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.