A letter from a former American soldier, Sgt B. Armstrong, in New York to his buddy in Blackpool, England, reflects a deep sense of camaraderie and friendship between the two individuals when the American was station in Britain during World War 2. The content of the letter suggests that the American soldier greatly values his close connection with his friend across the Atlantic.
Firstly, the letter begins with an apology for the delay in writing, indicating a desire to maintain communication despite the physical distance. The soldier expresses his gratitude for the letter received from his friend and congratulates him on his current situation, expressing relief that his friend is no longer working in the coal mine, despite it not being the Royal Navy (RN) as initially hoped.
There is a clear sense of nostalgia and longing for England expressed throughout the letter. The soldier admits to missing England more than expected, describing it as a “swell country” and expressing a desire to find a good excuse to return and live there. This sentiment suggests a deep affection for England and its people, possibly influenced by the warmth and hospitality shown to him during his time as a foreign soldier.
The soldier acknowledges the differences between military and civilian life, admitting that the transition has been challenging, referring to the “horrors of civilian life.” Despite this, he expresses solidarity with his friend, affirming his support for England and its people.
Additionally, the soldier reminisces about the good times they shared and expresses a desire to experience similar moments again. He mentions various places they used to frequent together, indicating a longing for the past and a desire to relive those memories.
The letter ends with well-wishes for his friend’s army career and an offer of assistance, suggesting a continued willingness to support each other despite the physical distance and change in circumstances.
Overall, the letter portrays a deep bond between the two friends, characterised by mutual respect, nostalgia, and a shared history of experiences. Despite being separated by distance and different paths in life, their friendship remains strong, with the soldier expressing a genuine desire to maintain their connection and support each other in their respective journeys.
The Letter
65 West 89th Street New York
Dear Neil ,
Thank you for your letter and forgive me for my failure to write to you as soon as I got home as I promised I would. I sailed from Germany on Easter Sunday arriving home a few days later bemobed – holiday travel – Now working in New York – sweating out the horrors of civilian life .
Congratulations on your present situation. I am glad you are out of the bloody coal mine. Sorry it was not the RN but I am sure the BA is OK. I always found some swell goes in that organisation.
Buddy, I miss England more than anybody would think. Yours is a swell country and I for one would like to find a good excuse to go back there and live. What an awful admission for an American who is supposed to live in a semi utopia!
Of course the splendid treatment you and your country men gave me as a foreign soldier – perhaps spoiled me a little.
Perhaps as a civilian I would not fare so well. In any case you can always count on one ardent British supporter over here!
I am glad to hear about the spots your being introduced to. Sure wish I could hit the Fitzroy, French, Swiss and Aunty Mays tonight.
New York is quite mad these days. Most of the gay crowd are vets and most of them I learned their stuff in the army – a great many were stationed in England at one time.
Well buddy our positions was are reversed now. You are the soldier and I am the civilian, so let’s go all the way – now you can visit my country and I will introduce you to our version of “Pearl Harbour”.
Good luck in your army career – write again and tell me what I can send you.
Soldiers always need something and we civilians are happy to help. As I was saying to George on Thursday – it’s time to stop.
Sincerely, Your buddy,
‘Durward’
