Christmas 1941
Mon, December 20, 2021 Christmas 1941, 80 years ago this year, is a historic date in time as America had just entered WWII after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th. that year. Britain and the rest of Europe had been at war with Germany since September 1939.
I still have this Christmas Greetings message sent to me by my father in 1941. I was 5 years old, just a few weeks before my sixth birthday, I clearly remember it arriving in the mail. It depicts a cartoon Santa, on a camel. With a “V” for Victory on the camel’s side. Mailed from somewhere in the Sahara Desert, North Africa. It is amazing this scrap of paper has survived all these years, still in its original envelope, addressed to "Master D. Moulton," as was customary.
It was September 1939, within a week or two of the declaration of war that my father had left. He went straight to North Africa where he remained fighting with the British 8th Army, and finally defeating Rommel's German army. A campaign that lasted almost five years. He came home briefly, early in 1944, before leaving again for France during the Normandy Invasion.
I was only 3 ½ years old when my father left in 1939 so I remember little of him before that date. This Christmas Greeting measuring 5 x 4 inches, appears to be a photo copy of a much larger sheet. The hand written message is so tiny, a magnifying glass is required the read it. The message said:
“From your loving father, to my ever loved son David. Merry Christmas, and may God keep you safe until I return home.”
His concern must have been genuine in those early dark days of WWII. Germany had overrun the whole continent of Europe, and was poised on the coast of France just 25 miles away across the English Channel. The threat of Britain also being invaded was very real.
My father, Edward (Ned.) Moulton. Somewhere in North Africa 1941I was nine years old when the war ended. Sadly the promise of a loving relationship that this Christmas message conveyed, did not materialize.
My father must have gone through six years of absolute hell. He never spoke of it.
When he was in a good mood, he was extremely generous. He gave out cash in lieu of affection.
He bought me a lightweight racing bike that must have cost him a month’s wages. If it hadn’t been for him I never would have got into racing.
This of course led eventually to framebuilding. My father defined who I am today more than any other, and for that I am grateful.
May I wish you and your loved ones a Joyous Christmas, or whatever it is you celebrate this time of year.
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Reader Comments (3)
A very merry xmas from me, here in Blighty, and a very happy new year to one and all.
Merry Christmas to all of Dave's friends...and a best-ever New Year!
Best greetings from Moscow!