The Last 3 Postcards

The final one only contains generic messages that he is well and pleased that they are well. He refers to a chronic bronchitis and mentions he can hear the news on the radio and that all one can do is wait ... By now the postcard is also subject to German censorship and he has added that it is to go airmail via "Azores and Lisbon only" and it is stamped as "Trans Atlantic Route". That was the last sign of life that arrived.


The second one is addressed to one of his nieces, Hilde. Dated Nov. 14th 1939, he is saying that the length of the war is unpredictable and is expressing the hope that America does not get involved. He also expresses satisfaction that his gift to them was put to good use, a reference to the money he gave them. Note the UK censors stamp on the left of the image.


The fist one dates back to Oct. 14th. 1939 - apart from the usual exchange of greetings it refers to the fact that it is better to write postcards during times of war and censorship. Then he says, "do not worry about me, my retirement pension is enough to live on", followed by a reference to either a drink or a cigar. He continues "In an emergency I will go to a small town where, next to the doctor and the Mayor, I am the most important man in the town" Was this in Cook County ? Which small community is he refering to ? I expect his death certificate to tell us more.