Childhood Years - My First Impressions of England

Translation

Clorane Gardens
Hampstead
NW3
London

January 14th 1939

My dear Provincials,

Today I received your letter and was terribly happy with it. I am pleased that business is going well. How is Fraulein Henkel? I feel as though I have been here ages, only I don’t know English yet. Tomorrow I shall let myself be weighed and will write to you or Papa if I have gained weight. You need only put my name on the address because people have their own houses. How do you like the photos of myself? As you always read my letter to Papa I don’t know much news.

Today I saw the most beautiful buildings in London. I also went to Westminster and must tell you the church is unique. Absolutely wonderful. And all the other buildings so imposing. One can’t see everything at once. The beautiful days are coming to an end but I also look forward to school. Please excuse my bad handwriting but I am in a hurry. I am not too thin here. I would be able to buy readymade things here.

At the moment I have £1 and 2 shilling. Nearly everybody here says I should change my hair style. I don’t know if I will do it. What do you think, dear Tante Georgel? I do not know yet what profession to choose. In any event I will enquire what possibilities there are. What would you advise me?

You can eat good fish here. However I don’t eat any though they all tell me it is good and fresh. Soon I will not be able to write so often.
I am in excellent mood tonight. I don’t know why. What news have you?

Write soon.

Kiss and greetings

LORE

Edenthorpe
Bolsover Road
Eastbourne
Sussex

26/01/39

My dear Provincials,

Today you get another letter from me which is meant mainly for Onkelchen because it is his birthday. I wish you all the best and get many presents. I can’t give you anything other than a kiss by letter and hope you are satisfied with it. I guess that there will be socks, ties and collars among the presents and that you will be drinking INGELHEIMER wine. A pity I can’t drink it. You are only given wine here when you are quite old. I got permission to write today so that the letter arrives in time.

I am now by the sea and it is very nice. Yesterday it simply poured and there was also a terrible storm. I am also enclosing a letter for Papa which you should also read. I only do this to save time and postage.

The school uniform is dark blue. During the week we wear a dark blue pullover with light blue and yellow stripes at the wrist and collar, and a dark blue tie with light blue and yellow stripes and a dark blue tunic. Sundays we wear a dark blue dress with a white collar. In the afternoon we can wear what we want. You are only allowed to bring three dresses.

We have very little free time. Cinema is forbidden. Today we had gym. The teacher was dressed terribly old fashioned. A green pullover and a short green tunic with a belt almost on her behind and black long stockings and shoes. During lessons I don’t understand a word and almost go to sleep with boredom. I am writing in the history lesson during which I understand the least. Food is good now. The other day we even had tongue.

During gym I never understand what I am supposed to do because I don’t understand a word.

Enjoy your birthday.

Much love

LORE

To continue reading how Lore described her first months in England to Georgel and Friedel Schmidt click here