Translation and notes by Lore 

                                        Dated 28.2.38, but Lore believed that date should be 28.2.39

Dear Lore,

I received your letter and was happy with it.  Auntie Eileen did not invite me but we had other thoughts.  For instance, she had prepared all the papers so that I could come to England in case I cannot stay here.

Don’t tell them at home – I did not dress up on Fastnacht (carnival).  In the evening, we had a great time in town but we had to be back at school by 7 o’clock.  We threw lots of confetti which cost a lot here.  When we saw some girls walking towards us, we only needed to raise our hand and they ducked.  We passed a shop where a woman stood behind the door.  I lifted my hand and she immediately jumped behind the door.

You should have seen how we laughed.  That was the best day I had so far in Thonon. – I still have the £2 and if Auntie Eileen does not answer I shall hang onto them. – We don’t bath here but we take a douche every Saturday. – I have not yet heard from Uncle Joseph (grandma Ermann’s brother who had come to England).  Also Roger has not yet written (best friend from Morlanwelz) – I worked at the hotel during the holidays and was glad to get into bed at night.  This is why I haven’t written to Papa for five days.  Meanwhile, I wrote him one letter and one card and today I sent off a four page letter.  I hope he has calmed down now. – I have French friends.  I also have a friend who was German but is now Palestinian.  Besides French students, we have some Swiss, German, 3 Palestinian, Czech, 1 Chinese, 1 from Luxembourg etc. – I have taken dancing lessons but I did not continue as I had to be away.  Only for boys. – If you want a good caricature of Hitler let me know.  I will send you one.  I read in the papers that 140 000 Jews left Germany between 1933 and May 38 and before May 1938 till February 39 another 100 000, 240 000 altogether.  I also read that Jews had to hand over all their jewellery.  I am pleased you have the watch and the chain.  Did you take any of mother’s jewellery?  I hope that Papa will give his valuables to Tante Georgel. – I am already quite good at typing and shorthand.  On Sundays, we quite often go to a Café to play table tennis or cards. – How should I know how the conjuror performed his tricks (referring to entertainment at Edenthorpe school in Eastbourne).  We are not allowed to write to friends.  Who are you allowed to write to?  Are you forbidden to receive letters from friends?  (silly boarding school rules) – Food is good here.  We have the same meals every week but on different days.  On Fridays we eat only fish. – What does it mean: half term! – I got 131/2/20 in my English exams and was eleventh – a little worse than last time.  I can’t think of anything else.  I believe this is the longest letter you have ever received from me up to now.  Write again soon.

Much love

Oswald