JOE KEMPSTER,

Signal Section, 1st Suffolk Regiment

‘MY OWN darling wife, I have a good idea that I shall come through this alright… I think too much of you and what we have planned for the future not to keep my ears open… I have done plenty of thinking about you Mary, and I realise more than ever what I am missing today. I have lived only to make you happy and I think I have more or less succeeded, but the future years are going to be even happier because for one thing you and I will be together for always, never again to be parted and secondly there will be our baby. [He then writes about her miscarriage.] Dear, your turn will come one day. Time will put matters right. We both have plenty of time in front of us, Saucy. One day you will show me our baby, and we will be the happiest couple in the world. That will be a grand day dearest and you will find that everything I can do for the comfort of you and Baby will be done. Times will be hard after this is all over, but we will pull through because we have faith in each other and also in one above all. I am not ashamed to say I have prayed each night for you, Baby and peace, and I know one day those prayers will be answered... I have seen things out here which is enough to break even the hardest heart... Darling we shall win with something to spare and I feel confident that Christmas will see us all home and at peace again...

‘Keep smiling because your husband always wants you to be happy. God bless and keep you always for your ever loving husband and sweetheart Joe xxxxx, I love you.’