When she grew up Barbara married Brian Davies from Colwyn Bay and they had a daughter Joanne and a son Anthony (Tony) James. Eventually they in turn gave Barbara and Brian three much loved grandchildren - Daniel, Hannah and Elle'. Sadly, Barbara died in 2005.
This page is dedicated to the memory of James Bateman, his wife Gwen and his much loved daughter Barbara Ann, (Sugar Plum).
Many, many thanks to Brian Davies for sharing this sad family story on the website. It has been a great privilege to read it. To
WAR MEMORIALS IN THE PARISH OF NORTHOP
The villages of Northop, Northop Hall and Sychdyn (Soughton)
The villages of Northop, Northop Hall and Sychdyn (Soughton)
Name James Bateman
Regiment Royal |Corps of Signals
Service Rank and Number Signalman 2371098
Military Cemetery/Memorial Naples War Cemetery
Ref No. of Grave or Memorial IV.E. 6
Country of Cemetery/Memorial Italy
Medals Awarded
Date and Circumstances of Death Died 10th February 1945 in hospital in Italy from 'Undulant Fever'
Biographical Details Known James (Jim) was born on 29th March 1915 in Duck Street (Now Duke Street), Sychdyn. His father was Johnny Bateman (Known to many in Sychdyn as Taidy Bateman). Jim's mother was Cordelia Bateman (nee Bond). She was Johnny's second wife - the first had died after producing two children.
This second family included five children - James, Sid, Norah, Maud and Annie. Johnny was a coal merchant and some Sychdyn residents will recall him as a character who delivered coal till the year he died (1970) when he was 95 years old, assisted by his son Sid who would have been a sprightly 70 plus year old. Before he joined the army in 1941, James too, helped his father with the coal business.
James married Gwendoline Bennett of Flint Mountain in 1940 and their daughter Barbara was born later that year. He enlisted in 1941 and served in North Africa before being moved on to Italy. During the autumn of 1944 he had an operation to remove his appendix. His health declined sharply during the last months of 1944 and the beginning of 1945. His heartbreaking letters home to Gwen, chart his deterioration. Undulant fever is better known as brucellosis a disease transmitted through animal contact or contaminated milk or milk products. The symptoms include fevers that come and go, headaches, sweating, weakness, anorexia and depression. Jim's letters home illustrate all these symptoms. Perhaps because his body was weakened after the surgery, the brucellosis was able to attack him with devastating results. Through his misery and suffering, his love for his wife and baby shines out of his sad, sad letters. The original letters are very frail and so we have transcribed them rather than scan them.
Regiment Royal |Corps of Signals
Service Rank and Number Signalman 2371098
Military Cemetery/Memorial Naples War Cemetery
Ref No. of Grave or Memorial IV.E. 6
Country of Cemetery/Memorial Italy
Medals Awarded
Date and Circumstances of Death Died 10th February 1945 in hospital in Italy from 'Undulant Fever'
Biographical Details Known James (Jim) was born on 29th March 1915 in Duck Street (Now Duke Street), Sychdyn. His father was Johnny Bateman (Known to many in Sychdyn as Taidy Bateman). Jim's mother was Cordelia Bateman (nee Bond). She was Johnny's second wife - the first had died after producing two children.
This second family included five children - James, Sid, Norah, Maud and Annie. Johnny was a coal merchant and some Sychdyn residents will recall him as a character who delivered coal till the year he died (1970) when he was 95 years old, assisted by his son Sid who would have been a sprightly 70 plus year old. Before he joined the army in 1941, James too, helped his father with the coal business.
James married Gwendoline Bennett of Flint Mountain in 1940 and their daughter Barbara was born later that year. He enlisted in 1941 and served in North Africa before being moved on to Italy. During the autumn of 1944 he had an operation to remove his appendix. His health declined sharply during the last months of 1944 and the beginning of 1945. His heartbreaking letters home to Gwen, chart his deterioration. Undulant fever is better known as brucellosis a disease transmitted through animal contact or contaminated milk or milk products. The symptoms include fevers that come and go, headaches, sweating, weakness, anorexia and depression. Jim's letters home illustrate all these symptoms. Perhaps because his body was weakened after the surgery, the brucellosis was able to attack him with devastating results. Through his misery and suffering, his love for his wife and baby shines out of his sad, sad letters. The original letters are very frail and so we have transcribed them rather than scan them.
Signalman James Bateman 2371098
J Bateman 2371098
Ward S1
94(BA) General Hospital
BNAF
October 3rd 1944
My Dearest Gwen,
Just a few lines darling to let you know I am getting along all right, I am feeling ok but still a bit sore. I have my stitches out the day after tomorrow (Thurs) so I may feel a lot better then. I hope you are not worrying darling as I am all right, I should be all right when I get up, we will see anyway. I will let you know dear how I get on. I suppose I will be in bed another ten days.
At least I am making another small tapestry for you darling, flowers this time. I hope you like it darling and after I finish that I have got a Signal Badge to do. I hope you have received the woollen tapestry I sent you dearest. If you want to straighten them out dear, just dip them in water and pin them down straight on a table with drawing pins and leave them for 24 hours. If they are not right then do the same thing again for another 24 hours.
Well love I have not had another letter from you yet dear. I hope you and my little Sugar Plum are well. I am always thinking of you and our little girl. I only wish I could see you darling. I hope this war will soon be over, I am longing to see you dearest. I do love you so much dear. There is so much I want to do for you darling to make up for all the happiness you have missed. I would like to see you in a house of your own with our little girl and someday soon, I hope I will see my wish come true.
But look after yourself darling and our little girl till I come home and then I will tell you all I dreamed and longed for since I had to leave you my love. I am waiting for the day when I will be back and I hope it will be soon. Well sweetheart, I will close now hoping to hear from you soon. Take care of yourself dear and Sugar Plum. Tell Mum and all I am asking for them and hope they are well. Cheerio for now dearest write soon
All my love Jimxxxxxx
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For Sugar
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x X from Daddie
Ward S1
94(BA) General Hospital
BNAF
October 3rd 1944
My Dearest Gwen,
Just a few lines darling to let you know I am getting along all right, I am feeling ok but still a bit sore. I have my stitches out the day after tomorrow (Thurs) so I may feel a lot better then. I hope you are not worrying darling as I am all right, I should be all right when I get up, we will see anyway. I will let you know dear how I get on. I suppose I will be in bed another ten days.
At least I am making another small tapestry for you darling, flowers this time. I hope you like it darling and after I finish that I have got a Signal Badge to do. I hope you have received the woollen tapestry I sent you dearest. If you want to straighten them out dear, just dip them in water and pin them down straight on a table with drawing pins and leave them for 24 hours. If they are not right then do the same thing again for another 24 hours.
Well love I have not had another letter from you yet dear. I hope you and my little Sugar Plum are well. I am always thinking of you and our little girl. I only wish I could see you darling. I hope this war will soon be over, I am longing to see you dearest. I do love you so much dear. There is so much I want to do for you darling to make up for all the happiness you have missed. I would like to see you in a house of your own with our little girl and someday soon, I hope I will see my wish come true.
But look after yourself darling and our little girl till I come home and then I will tell you all I dreamed and longed for since I had to leave you my love. I am waiting for the day when I will be back and I hope it will be soon. Well sweetheart, I will close now hoping to hear from you soon. Take care of yourself dear and Sugar Plum. Tell Mum and all I am asking for them and hope they are well. Cheerio for now dearest write soon
All my love Jimxxxxxx
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For Sugar
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x X from Daddie
Jim Bateman 2371098
R Signals Rfts Depot
CMF
November 14th 1944
My Dearest Gwen,
Hello dear. This is another letter to let you know how I am getting on. I have not been too well since last Friday. It was very cold on that day and I must have caught (a chill?). I was shivering all day I couldn't get warm and when I went to bed that night I was still the same. Then I had got a bad headache by then and sometime early Sat morning my nose bled a good deal but I still had headache. So I went to see the MO. I did feel rotten darling and he has put me in a little hospital here he runs himself. I've been in bed two days but I don't feel right dear. I coughed a bit yesterday and now my side hurts where I had the operation. I hope it soon goes away, it hurts every time I cough. I did intend to write to you darling sooner but I felt too ill for anything. The funniest part about it is my nose isn't running.
I wish they had sent me home from Africa dear I was feeling pretty fair then. It's not fair dear, the way they treat us out here. I've seen chaps going home out of hospital with a bit of a burn on their legs or arms, as fit as fiddles and I'm still supposed to be A1. I've got the winter to face here roughing it, the same as the other chaps who feel ok. I've just been thinking dear of having a talk with this MO to see what he can (do to help?) me.
Well my love I hope you and our little sugar are all right. I have been thinking about you all the time. I know I would soon get well again if I was at home with you darling. I can't get you and my little girl a Xmas present from anywhere here but when I get back to my section I will send you money instead. I hope you will understand dear. By the way darling, have you received the tapestry and the little woollen mat yet? You should have done long ago, let me know dear. I was wondering last night how much money you are getting a week now. Do you still get that extra few shillings they allowed you. Let me know how you are fixed dear, I may be able to do something for you. Well my darling take care of yourself and kiss little Sugar Plum for me. I hope I will be feeling better still when I write again in a couple of days regards to m....
All my love,
Jim
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R Signals Rfts Depot
CMF
November 14th 1944
My Dearest Gwen,
Hello dear. This is another letter to let you know how I am getting on. I have not been too well since last Friday. It was very cold on that day and I must have caught (a chill?). I was shivering all day I couldn't get warm and when I went to bed that night I was still the same. Then I had got a bad headache by then and sometime early Sat morning my nose bled a good deal but I still had headache. So I went to see the MO. I did feel rotten darling and he has put me in a little hospital here he runs himself. I've been in bed two days but I don't feel right dear. I coughed a bit yesterday and now my side hurts where I had the operation. I hope it soon goes away, it hurts every time I cough. I did intend to write to you darling sooner but I felt too ill for anything. The funniest part about it is my nose isn't running.
I wish they had sent me home from Africa dear I was feeling pretty fair then. It's not fair dear, the way they treat us out here. I've seen chaps going home out of hospital with a bit of a burn on their legs or arms, as fit as fiddles and I'm still supposed to be A1. I've got the winter to face here roughing it, the same as the other chaps who feel ok. I've just been thinking dear of having a talk with this MO to see what he can (do to help?) me.
Well my love I hope you and our little sugar are all right. I have been thinking about you all the time. I know I would soon get well again if I was at home with you darling. I can't get you and my little girl a Xmas present from anywhere here but when I get back to my section I will send you money instead. I hope you will understand dear. By the way darling, have you received the tapestry and the little woollen mat yet? You should have done long ago, let me know dear. I was wondering last night how much money you are getting a week now. Do you still get that extra few shillings they allowed you. Let me know how you are fixed dear, I may be able to do something for you. Well my darling take care of yourself and kiss little Sugar Plum for me. I hope I will be feeling better still when I write again in a couple of days regards to m....
All my love,
Jim
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Sigmn J Bateman 2371098
Ward A West
92(BA) Gen Hospital
CMF
December 26th 1944
My Dearest Gwen,
Please forgive me for not writing sooner dear. I have been expecting to hear from you for the last couple of days but I have had nothing so far. Well my darling, Christmas is over again, I was thinking about you and little Babs all day. I was wishing with all my heart darling that I was with you both, I tried to imagine what my little girl would be like when she woke up that morning. I was thinking of you too darling, it would have been grand if I was with you both, Dear, let's hope that I will be be home before the next. I hope you all had a good time.
Well dearest I am still in bed but I am feeling better than I have been but I am not right yet. It wasn't much of a Christmas for me. I don't feel wanting much to eat and I had no interest in anything that was going on. I would have been the same if I was all right, you see dear, until I am back home I will never be happy, my thoughts were back home all day and I could think of nothing else dear. I was longing to see you and my little girl. I often wonder why I am taking this punishment, I don't think I have done anything to deserve this, this waiting and longing for the day when I will come back, is awful dear. I'd give the world to be able to see you and my little girl again. Sometimes I think my heart will break but somehow I keep going.
Well darling I hope my little girl had everything she wanted and that you Mum and all enjoyed yourselves too. I wish you all a Happy New Year darling and I hope dear, I will be home soon.
All my love
Jim
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For Sugar xxxxxxxx
Ward A West
92(BA) Gen Hospital
CMF
December 26th 1944
My Dearest Gwen,
Please forgive me for not writing sooner dear. I have been expecting to hear from you for the last couple of days but I have had nothing so far. Well my darling, Christmas is over again, I was thinking about you and little Babs all day. I was wishing with all my heart darling that I was with you both, I tried to imagine what my little girl would be like when she woke up that morning. I was thinking of you too darling, it would have been grand if I was with you both, Dear, let's hope that I will be be home before the next. I hope you all had a good time.
Well dearest I am still in bed but I am feeling better than I have been but I am not right yet. It wasn't much of a Christmas for me. I don't feel wanting much to eat and I had no interest in anything that was going on. I would have been the same if I was all right, you see dear, until I am back home I will never be happy, my thoughts were back home all day and I could think of nothing else dear. I was longing to see you and my little girl. I often wonder why I am taking this punishment, I don't think I have done anything to deserve this, this waiting and longing for the day when I will come back, is awful dear. I'd give the world to be able to see you and my little girl again. Sometimes I think my heart will break but somehow I keep going.
Well darling I hope my little girl had everything she wanted and that you Mum and all enjoyed yourselves too. I wish you all a Happy New Year darling and I hope dear, I will be home soon.
All my love
Jim
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For Sugar xxxxxxxx
2371098 J Bateman
Ward A west
92 BA Gen Hospital
CMF
January 8th 1945
My Dearest Gwen,
Just a few lines to let you know I am getting better slowly. I feel better (some days?) ...... They have found a germ in my blood now so they know what the trouble is. After all this time darling, I'm still in bed dear and the doc said I may be in bed a few weeks yet. I told the sister I was feeling fed up and she must have told him, he said I must have patience. I think I am going to be here for a bit by the looks of things dear. But I feel much better tonight darling, I've been wanting to write to you for a couple of days now dear but I just didn't feel like it, maybe I will be ok again soon, I hope you are not worrying darling. Well love how are you and my little girl? (I am always thinking of you both?) and wishing I was back with you it seems a hell of a long time since I last saw you both. 2 ½ years seem like 10 ½ to me. Let's hope I will be back soon dear. I know what I am missing darling and it grieves me when I think of it. This damn war has spoilt everything but never mind darling it can't go on for ever.
Let me know dear if you get the half finished tapestry I sent home with a chap from North Wales. Not long ago he said he would post it for me over there. I would like you to do one thing for me darling and that is to get me a good metal razor .............. I had all my shaving kit pinched. I'd like one the same as your pop gave me dear for a 3 hole blade. I have one but it isn't much good. I have a job to shave sometimes. Let Pop try it first before you send it, that is, if you can get one darling. I'd be very pleased if you could.
Well dearest I must say cheerio for now. Write soon.
All my love always
Jim
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For Sugar Plum
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Ward A west
92 BA Gen Hospital
CMF
January 8th 1945
My Dearest Gwen,
Just a few lines to let you know I am getting better slowly. I feel better (some days?) ...... They have found a germ in my blood now so they know what the trouble is. After all this time darling, I'm still in bed dear and the doc said I may be in bed a few weeks yet. I told the sister I was feeling fed up and she must have told him, he said I must have patience. I think I am going to be here for a bit by the looks of things dear. But I feel much better tonight darling, I've been wanting to write to you for a couple of days now dear but I just didn't feel like it, maybe I will be ok again soon, I hope you are not worrying darling. Well love how are you and my little girl? (I am always thinking of you both?) and wishing I was back with you it seems a hell of a long time since I last saw you both. 2 ½ years seem like 10 ½ to me. Let's hope I will be back soon dear. I know what I am missing darling and it grieves me when I think of it. This damn war has spoilt everything but never mind darling it can't go on for ever.
Let me know dear if you get the half finished tapestry I sent home with a chap from North Wales. Not long ago he said he would post it for me over there. I would like you to do one thing for me darling and that is to get me a good metal razor .............. I had all my shaving kit pinched. I'd like one the same as your pop gave me dear for a 3 hole blade. I have one but it isn't much good. I have a job to shave sometimes. Let Pop try it first before you send it, that is, if you can get one darling. I'd be very pleased if you could.
Well dearest I must say cheerio for now. Write soon.
All my love always
Jim
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For Sugar Plum
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Bryn y Garreg
Flint Mountain
Flintshire
January 16th 1945
My Dearest Jim
Well my darling I am writing to you once again. I am sorry to hear you are feeling so rotten. I have been so worried about you dear and not been well myself as I told you in my last letter. And poor little Babs she has really been very poorly too. She had a cold to start with then it went on her chest so of course, I kept her in bed. One cannot be too careful you know with little ones. Terrible lot of little children ill around here with measles,and whooping cough. Babs had a very bad bout of sickness one night. But she was better after she was sick for three nights I never had a wink of sleep and I am not sleeping too good now. But I am going to the doctor for a bottle as soon as I go out. Babs nor myself have not been out since Xmas Day. We've been upstairs until Monday afternoon. We came down after dinner for about 2 hours. Of course, you know dear, Babs is a strong child really. She is not down for long. But she still keeps thin. She gets everything I can get for her of course. I am not fat myself and never will be. I worry so much and I seem to have had a lot lately.
I so wish dear the army would let you come home I do so long to see you again. So try and cheer up and get well dear. It would make me feel so happy if I knew you were getting strong and well again. I ask God every night to make you well and strong again to come home safe to us. Do you ever think to say a little prayer dear? It would help you a lot I am sure dear.
Your little girl says every night, 'Please God bring my Daddie safe home' and she is always saying 'When will my Daddie come home?' She can't understand why you don't come. She looks at your photo many a time in the day and says 'That my Daddie Mummy. Do you like him?'
I will send what you ask for as soon as I go out myself. Everyone is very kind to us but I don't like troubling people too much. I received the parcel from Evan Thomas and a nice letter from his wife. Thank you dear, the tapestry is very nice. I have had no time to write to him yet but will do so so. I also received the £15.0.0 you sent. Thank you dear. Some day I may be able to repay.
Mum and Dad and all the people around here are asking for you so when you feel downhearted always remember you are not forgotten darling. Mr and Mrs Roberts next door send regards to you. So will close now with all my love always, your loving wife
Gwen and Babs.
Write soon if only 2 words
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Babs
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Flint Mountain
Flintshire
January 16th 1945
My Dearest Jim
Well my darling I am writing to you once again. I am sorry to hear you are feeling so rotten. I have been so worried about you dear and not been well myself as I told you in my last letter. And poor little Babs she has really been very poorly too. She had a cold to start with then it went on her chest so of course, I kept her in bed. One cannot be too careful you know with little ones. Terrible lot of little children ill around here with measles,and whooping cough. Babs had a very bad bout of sickness one night. But she was better after she was sick for three nights I never had a wink of sleep and I am not sleeping too good now. But I am going to the doctor for a bottle as soon as I go out. Babs nor myself have not been out since Xmas Day. We've been upstairs until Monday afternoon. We came down after dinner for about 2 hours. Of course, you know dear, Babs is a strong child really. She is not down for long. But she still keeps thin. She gets everything I can get for her of course. I am not fat myself and never will be. I worry so much and I seem to have had a lot lately.
I so wish dear the army would let you come home I do so long to see you again. So try and cheer up and get well dear. It would make me feel so happy if I knew you were getting strong and well again. I ask God every night to make you well and strong again to come home safe to us. Do you ever think to say a little prayer dear? It would help you a lot I am sure dear.
Your little girl says every night, 'Please God bring my Daddie safe home' and she is always saying 'When will my Daddie come home?' She can't understand why you don't come. She looks at your photo many a time in the day and says 'That my Daddie Mummy. Do you like him?'
I will send what you ask for as soon as I go out myself. Everyone is very kind to us but I don't like troubling people too much. I received the parcel from Evan Thomas and a nice letter from his wife. Thank you dear, the tapestry is very nice. I have had no time to write to him yet but will do so so. I also received the £15.0.0 you sent. Thank you dear. Some day I may be able to repay.
Mum and Dad and all the people around here are asking for you so when you feel downhearted always remember you are not forgotten darling. Mr and Mrs Roberts next door send regards to you. So will close now with all my love always, your loving wife
Gwen and Babs.
Write soon if only 2 words
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Babs
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Sigmn J Bateman 2371098
Ward A west
92 (BA) Gen Hospital
CMF
January 24th 1945
My Dearest Gwen
I was so glad to receive a letter from you again this morning and am very sorry to hear you and Sugar Plum have been ill too darling. We seem to be very unlucky dear three of us ill. I hope this letter finds you both well again. Poor little Babs has had a rough time lately. Don't worry about her being thin darling, so long as you can get her healthy.
I only wish they would send me home dearest but the army is the worst thing to be in. God knows how much I want to see you both darling. Let's hope this war will soon be over now. Well darling I have been feeling better today than I have for some time so don't worry about me dear, take care of yourself and Babs. I come all right. Don't bother about the razor I mentioned in my last letter darling, I'll make do with the one I've got. I don't suppose you will be able to get one now.
I was very pleased dear you got the tapestries ok . So Evan Thomas's wife wrote to you? It was very good of her. He was in the same ward as me. I was wishing I was going home with him dear. I was pleased to hear you got the £15 as well. Take care of it darling, we'll need every penny after this lot is over.
I wish I could see my little girl. It's a shame I've been away so long. It seems years to me since I last saw you both but I am always thinking of you darling every day. I'm pleased to hear all the people round about are asking for me. Tell them all I wish to be remembered to them, also Mum, Pop and Wilf. I hope they are keeping well.
Bye bye darling
All my love always
Jim
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for Sugar Plum
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From Daddie
Ward A west
92 (BA) Gen Hospital
CMF
January 24th 1945
My Dearest Gwen
I was so glad to receive a letter from you again this morning and am very sorry to hear you and Sugar Plum have been ill too darling. We seem to be very unlucky dear three of us ill. I hope this letter finds you both well again. Poor little Babs has had a rough time lately. Don't worry about her being thin darling, so long as you can get her healthy.
I only wish they would send me home dearest but the army is the worst thing to be in. God knows how much I want to see you both darling. Let's hope this war will soon be over now. Well darling I have been feeling better today than I have for some time so don't worry about me dear, take care of yourself and Babs. I come all right. Don't bother about the razor I mentioned in my last letter darling, I'll make do with the one I've got. I don't suppose you will be able to get one now.
I was very pleased dear you got the tapestries ok . So Evan Thomas's wife wrote to you? It was very good of her. He was in the same ward as me. I was wishing I was going home with him dear. I was pleased to hear you got the £15 as well. Take care of it darling, we'll need every penny after this lot is over.
I wish I could see my little girl. It's a shame I've been away so long. It seems years to me since I last saw you both but I am always thinking of you darling every day. I'm pleased to hear all the people round about are asking for me. Tell them all I wish to be remembered to them, also Mum, Pop and Wilf. I hope they are keeping well.
Bye bye darling
All my love always
Jim
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for Sugar Plum
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From Daddie
A special message to Babs from Daddy, delivered by Micky and Donald
The County Herald 9th March 1945
So little Barbara grew up never knowing her father. The above letters and documents were all she had and she treasured them greatly all her life. This little note of hers was kept with them.
So little Barbara grew up never knowing her father. The above letters and documents were all she had and she treasured them greatly all her life. This little note of hers was kept with them.
A Love Story. Letters from James Bateman to his wife Gwen and one of her letters to him.
Sixpence a day? That's two and a half pence in today's currency
Sugar Plum
Gwen and Babs
Gwen and Babs
Barbara Ann Bateman
Left Joanne, her husband Paul and their children Daniel and Hannah.
Right Tony and Elle'
The family Jim Bateman never knew. Wouldn't he have been proud of them?
Right Tony and Elle'
The family Jim Bateman never knew. Wouldn't he have been proud of them?
James Bateman Part Two
James Bateman's correspondence with his sister Norah
As we have already seen, Jim was a prolific letter writer. As well as writing to Gwen regularly, he sent a stream of letters home for his Dad and Sid, his brother and his sisters. Norah was the one who received the letters and she was the one who wrote back to him. There are too many letters to include here on the website so what we've decided to do is to reproduce extracts. Most of his letters included the same homesickness, the longing for the war to be over, his dislike of army food and how much he missed Gwen and Babs so we are taking those as read and generally not including them. All of his letters begin with Dear Norah and end with Your Loving Brother, Jim
4th February 1944 (From 89 Line section, No 2 Coy, 16 Lof C Signals, CMF)
I am pleased to hear you have received the photos I sent you. You say I look older. No doubt I do- I am older, I suppose it was the sun that made my eyes look puffed up or lack of sleep, I wasn't getting much at that time. I am glad you like it anyway.
I am sorry to say I haven't had yours or Gwen's parcel yet. I don't know when I am going to get them. I could do with the cigarettes too. Maybe they will come some day. Glad to hear Harry Davies has had my letter ok. I will write to him again when I have time. Tell him I am asking for him and his wife.
The weather is very cold tonight it changes so much. The other day the sun was quite warm.
1st March 1944 (89 Line Section No 2 Coy, 16 Lof C Signals, CMF)
Glad to know you and all at home are keeping well. I am quite well now, I've got over my cold. Sorry to hear Dad is still feeling the effects of the flu, but as you say he must be ok so long as he eats plenty. Glad to hear Sid is the same in the grub line. He is lucky to be able to have it to eat.
I had a laugh of what Dad told Bill Iball about Sid. So he has gone back to his old ways of staying at home. I was dreaming about Dad last night but I can't remember what the dream was all about . I was thinking about him a lot yesterday after I got your letter. I was wondering how he was getting on with the job. I often sit down and think of you all back there. I wish I was back on the job again, to do some real work.
6th March 1944 (89 Line Section No 2 Coy, 16 Lof C Signals, CMF)
I am glad to hear Sid's sheep are having lambs. I hope he has some luck with them this year. I'm sorry his ferret died though. Tell him he doesn't know how to look after them. Remember the one I had, he was almost too big to get down the holes. I went to the pictures the other night, it was quite good too. It is a change to be able to get to the pictures sometimes.
3rd August 1944 (No 3 Coy No 8 Convalescent Depot, RAMC (Rear) BNAF)
I am getting along ok at the moment. My stomach feels better some days than others. I went in to the town near by here yesterday with another bloke and with walking about quite a good bit my stomach was aching last night and it felt sore this morning on one side. I wish it would get better. I hate being handicapped.
I don't know where my mates are now. Up in Italy somewhere I expect.
So you all had fun with Raymond for a week. He must be getting big by now. I don't suppose Babs would stay with you by what Gwen says in her letters, Babs goes everywhere with her, so you would have a job on. I would love to see her now. She must be getting big. I only remember her when she was just beginning to toddle about two years ago
21st August 1944 (No 3 Coy, No 8 Convalescent Depot, RAMC (Rear) BNAF)
Just a few lines to let you know my address has been changed again as you will see. I came here Saturday. I don't know how long I will be here I am keeping fairly well but I don't feel right somehow. My stomach is still weak. I am going to have exercises for it. I have been innoculated again today and at the moment my arm is starting to hurt. I won't be doing anything for 48 hours though, my eyes are feeling a bit stiff too. I went for a good walk on Sunday. I didn't do long walks when I was in hospital so it's telling on my poor legs now. I don't know if I have got out of having that operation or not. I hope so. The weather is very warm now and I have to sleep on a wooden bed now, quite a change from hospital beds with their white sheets and nice mattresses. But I've done it before, I'll get used to it.
29th August 1944 (3 Coy No 8 Convalescent Depot RAMC (Rear) BNAF)
I am pleased to hear Pop has had a week's rest from carrying those cwts about. I only wish I was there and able to do the work for him.
It is just like Bill Iball to send Pop a card from Blackpool. Ask Pop to tell Bill Iball I am asking for him. I hope Griff Humphries isn't so worried about the war now. He was always on about it.
Well Nora I am feeling fairly well now. I've been here a week and I'm feeling much stronger. We get plenty of pictures and shows one nearly every night. I saw a good show last night. They were South African (not black) and they were about the best I've seen out abroad.
The worst thing about this dive is we are worried by flies in the day and fleas at night. They must be in the ground, they seem to come from nowhere.
I don't think you need worry about me. I'll be ok. I know I've had a rough time. The sister in Italy told me I was pretty bad for three days after the operation. She said three of the lads came to see me two days after to see me but she told me she was sorry she couldn't let them see me. I must have been bad. They were very good to me there. I made Gwen a little mat of wool and two tapestries when I was in hospital.
16th September 1944 (Surgical Ward 1, 94 Br Gen Hospital BNAF)
Just a few lines to let you know that I am back in hospital as you will see by my address. I came here Tues but didn't let you know straight away as they were going to operate on me today Sat, but I have developed a cold since yesterday so it has been postponed for a few days until I am better. The day I came here I saw the surgeon and he told me it would be best to have my stomach put right and have my appendix out now as it will only cause me trouble again later. My stomach is still weak one side and I think myself it will not come right by itself so I am having it done. I want to be right when I come home. I believe the surgeon here is very good so the other boys have told me so don't worry. I will write again as soon as I am well enough after the operation.
31st October 1944 (No 3 Transit Camp CMF)
Just a few lines to let you know I'm all right and as you will see by my address I am back in Italy again but I don't want you to write to me yet unless there is something wrong at home which I hope is not the case. I expect to be away from here by when you get this. I hope so anyway, the food is lousy. I can't understand why they make things as bad and hard s possible for troops.
19th November 1944 (Royal Signals Rfts ? Depot, CMF)
I've had a chill all through me. The weather is fairly cold now here and I guess I haven't got my strength back properly. I've been getting some queer headaches lately. I guess that must be the weakness but don't worry, I'll come ok in a week or two when I get back to my section.
I've made myself a bit more comfortable since I wrote last. I managed to scrounge a bed (of a kind) it's a lot better than lying on the floor, that's how I got a chill I'm sure.
Tell Pop I'm asking for him also that I think he is not working for nothing. I will be able to do the work ok when I come back and I hope that will be soon. I've been doing a bit of work today and have not felt anything from the operation. Remember me to Ann and Sid Hope he isn't still grumbling. I'll change with him if he likes. Love to all, Jim
28th November 1944 (Royal Signals Rfts Depot CMF)
I am feeling a bit more like myself today although I have a hell of a lot to improve to be like I was before I came in the army. I couldn't do Ό of the work I did then. I don't feel too strong, I think weakness is the cause of little ailments. The rash I've got is getting better slowly now. I told you in my last letter I'd seen a specialist about it. I've got more trouble now. My left foot is swollen a little just below the ankle. I can walk not too bad with it but when I stand or lift it up, it hurts just like the cramp. I don't remember hurting it anywhere. If it doesn't go soon, I will have to see about that. I'm fed up I can tell you, one thing after another. I am an unlucky 'B'.
Pop seems to be as strong as ever by the things he does. He must be tough. I knew that when I was at home. I'd never be like I am if I had been left alone.
I was glad to hear A Rogers is alive and POW. They do know he is ok now.
The wind has gone a bit strong tonight. Hope it don't blow the tent down.
So Ann's chap is a Cpl eh? Doing it ok isn't she. What does he do in civies, that's the thing? And he is from South Shields. I'm afraid I don't know the place. Yes I certainly would like a photo of Ann. I've forgotten what she looks like now. I've got the one of you and Dad. When I read about Dad filling coal himself, I wished I was back home to help him. I could have cried and I'm doing nothing.
As we have already seen, Jim was a prolific letter writer. As well as writing to Gwen regularly, he sent a stream of letters home for his Dad and Sid, his brother and his sisters. Norah was the one who received the letters and she was the one who wrote back to him. There are too many letters to include here on the website so what we've decided to do is to reproduce extracts. Most of his letters included the same homesickness, the longing for the war to be over, his dislike of army food and how much he missed Gwen and Babs so we are taking those as read and generally not including them. All of his letters begin with Dear Norah and end with Your Loving Brother, Jim
4th February 1944 (From 89 Line section, No 2 Coy, 16 Lof C Signals, CMF)
I am pleased to hear you have received the photos I sent you. You say I look older. No doubt I do- I am older, I suppose it was the sun that made my eyes look puffed up or lack of sleep, I wasn't getting much at that time. I am glad you like it anyway.
I am sorry to say I haven't had yours or Gwen's parcel yet. I don't know when I am going to get them. I could do with the cigarettes too. Maybe they will come some day. Glad to hear Harry Davies has had my letter ok. I will write to him again when I have time. Tell him I am asking for him and his wife.
The weather is very cold tonight it changes so much. The other day the sun was quite warm.
1st March 1944 (89 Line Section No 2 Coy, 16 Lof C Signals, CMF)
Glad to know you and all at home are keeping well. I am quite well now, I've got over my cold. Sorry to hear Dad is still feeling the effects of the flu, but as you say he must be ok so long as he eats plenty. Glad to hear Sid is the same in the grub line. He is lucky to be able to have it to eat.
I had a laugh of what Dad told Bill Iball about Sid. So he has gone back to his old ways of staying at home. I was dreaming about Dad last night but I can't remember what the dream was all about . I was thinking about him a lot yesterday after I got your letter. I was wondering how he was getting on with the job. I often sit down and think of you all back there. I wish I was back on the job again, to do some real work.
6th March 1944 (89 Line Section No 2 Coy, 16 Lof C Signals, CMF)
I am glad to hear Sid's sheep are having lambs. I hope he has some luck with them this year. I'm sorry his ferret died though. Tell him he doesn't know how to look after them. Remember the one I had, he was almost too big to get down the holes. I went to the pictures the other night, it was quite good too. It is a change to be able to get to the pictures sometimes.
3rd August 1944 (No 3 Coy No 8 Convalescent Depot, RAMC (Rear) BNAF)
I am getting along ok at the moment. My stomach feels better some days than others. I went in to the town near by here yesterday with another bloke and with walking about quite a good bit my stomach was aching last night and it felt sore this morning on one side. I wish it would get better. I hate being handicapped.
I don't know where my mates are now. Up in Italy somewhere I expect.
So you all had fun with Raymond for a week. He must be getting big by now. I don't suppose Babs would stay with you by what Gwen says in her letters, Babs goes everywhere with her, so you would have a job on. I would love to see her now. She must be getting big. I only remember her when she was just beginning to toddle about two years ago
21st August 1944 (No 3 Coy, No 8 Convalescent Depot, RAMC (Rear) BNAF)
Just a few lines to let you know my address has been changed again as you will see. I came here Saturday. I don't know how long I will be here I am keeping fairly well but I don't feel right somehow. My stomach is still weak. I am going to have exercises for it. I have been innoculated again today and at the moment my arm is starting to hurt. I won't be doing anything for 48 hours though, my eyes are feeling a bit stiff too. I went for a good walk on Sunday. I didn't do long walks when I was in hospital so it's telling on my poor legs now. I don't know if I have got out of having that operation or not. I hope so. The weather is very warm now and I have to sleep on a wooden bed now, quite a change from hospital beds with their white sheets and nice mattresses. But I've done it before, I'll get used to it.
29th August 1944 (3 Coy No 8 Convalescent Depot RAMC (Rear) BNAF)
I am pleased to hear Pop has had a week's rest from carrying those cwts about. I only wish I was there and able to do the work for him.
It is just like Bill Iball to send Pop a card from Blackpool. Ask Pop to tell Bill Iball I am asking for him. I hope Griff Humphries isn't so worried about the war now. He was always on about it.
Well Nora I am feeling fairly well now. I've been here a week and I'm feeling much stronger. We get plenty of pictures and shows one nearly every night. I saw a good show last night. They were South African (not black) and they were about the best I've seen out abroad.
The worst thing about this dive is we are worried by flies in the day and fleas at night. They must be in the ground, they seem to come from nowhere.
I don't think you need worry about me. I'll be ok. I know I've had a rough time. The sister in Italy told me I was pretty bad for three days after the operation. She said three of the lads came to see me two days after to see me but she told me she was sorry she couldn't let them see me. I must have been bad. They were very good to me there. I made Gwen a little mat of wool and two tapestries when I was in hospital.
16th September 1944 (Surgical Ward 1, 94 Br Gen Hospital BNAF)
Just a few lines to let you know that I am back in hospital as you will see by my address. I came here Tues but didn't let you know straight away as they were going to operate on me today Sat, but I have developed a cold since yesterday so it has been postponed for a few days until I am better. The day I came here I saw the surgeon and he told me it would be best to have my stomach put right and have my appendix out now as it will only cause me trouble again later. My stomach is still weak one side and I think myself it will not come right by itself so I am having it done. I want to be right when I come home. I believe the surgeon here is very good so the other boys have told me so don't worry. I will write again as soon as I am well enough after the operation.
31st October 1944 (No 3 Transit Camp CMF)
Just a few lines to let you know I'm all right and as you will see by my address I am back in Italy again but I don't want you to write to me yet unless there is something wrong at home which I hope is not the case. I expect to be away from here by when you get this. I hope so anyway, the food is lousy. I can't understand why they make things as bad and hard s possible for troops.
19th November 1944 (Royal Signals Rfts ? Depot, CMF)
I've had a chill all through me. The weather is fairly cold now here and I guess I haven't got my strength back properly. I've been getting some queer headaches lately. I guess that must be the weakness but don't worry, I'll come ok in a week or two when I get back to my section.
I've made myself a bit more comfortable since I wrote last. I managed to scrounge a bed (of a kind) it's a lot better than lying on the floor, that's how I got a chill I'm sure.
Tell Pop I'm asking for him also that I think he is not working for nothing. I will be able to do the work ok when I come back and I hope that will be soon. I've been doing a bit of work today and have not felt anything from the operation. Remember me to Ann and Sid Hope he isn't still grumbling. I'll change with him if he likes. Love to all, Jim
28th November 1944 (Royal Signals Rfts Depot CMF)
I am feeling a bit more like myself today although I have a hell of a lot to improve to be like I was before I came in the army. I couldn't do Ό of the work I did then. I don't feel too strong, I think weakness is the cause of little ailments. The rash I've got is getting better slowly now. I told you in my last letter I'd seen a specialist about it. I've got more trouble now. My left foot is swollen a little just below the ankle. I can walk not too bad with it but when I stand or lift it up, it hurts just like the cramp. I don't remember hurting it anywhere. If it doesn't go soon, I will have to see about that. I'm fed up I can tell you, one thing after another. I am an unlucky 'B'.
Pop seems to be as strong as ever by the things he does. He must be tough. I knew that when I was at home. I'd never be like I am if I had been left alone.
I was glad to hear A Rogers is alive and POW. They do know he is ok now.
The wind has gone a bit strong tonight. Hope it don't blow the tent down.
So Ann's chap is a Cpl eh? Doing it ok isn't she. What does he do in civies, that's the thing? And he is from South Shields. I'm afraid I don't know the place. Yes I certainly would like a photo of Ann. I've forgotten what she looks like now. I've got the one of you and Dad. When I read about Dad filling coal himself, I wished I was back home to help him. I could have cried and I'm doing nothing.
31st December 1944 (Ward A West, 92 (Br) Gen Hospital, CMF)
This time (Christmas) I hope you all enjoyed yourselves. I had a good dinner here and a couple of ties from the Red Cross. I was thinking of you all the whole of the day and wishing I was home with you all. I hope Pop is getting along with the coal now. I was sorry to hear he had difficulty in getting it before Christmas, just when he wanted it most. It's usually the case.. Wish I was there to do things for him.
I am feeling a bit better tonight. I am better some days than others. Yesterday I didn't feel well at all. They have started giving me some white pills -4 every 4 hours. That only started yesterday. I told the MO here I wasn't too bad till I came to Italy and that I've not felt really well here which is quite true. I was better in Africa.
I hope I will be with you all next Christmas. I got your greetings ok but haven't had Ann's photo yet.
I hope Sid didn't spoil his suit this Christmas.
We have two letters that Norah sent to Jim which we include in full
Duke Street
Soughton
Nr Mold
Flintshire
Sunday January 7th 1945
Dear Jim
Thanks for air mail letter which we received yesterday (dated Dec 31st). I was beginning to think we were not going to hear from you this week and was wondering how you were. However we were glad to hear from you once again and to know you were feeling a little better at time of writing. You say you feel better some days than others. I expect that is because you are weak. I wonder what the pills are they are giving you? Hope they do you some good.
We are always thinking about you out there. Pop is queer about you. I always read your letters to him. He is generally having his breakfast when the post comes. So you didn't have a bad Christmas dinner and a present from the Red Cross aye? I expect you were thinking of us all that day and wishing you were home, the same as we were of you. Glad to hear Gwen has written to you and that she and Babs are well. Hope they had a nice Christmas. Oh ! About the 10/- you told me to keep. I think I will keep it for you when you come home and the other 12/6 . You will need all you can get then. I've got them in a little box.
Ann is disappointed because you have not yet received her photo. She is beginning to think you won't get it but I hope you will get it soon.
Well Jim, we are all keeping well at present. Pop is still sticking it. He has been in a plight with the coal this week. I told you in my last letter about ********* (page damaged impossible to read) yard closing down. They only sent one small wagon into the station. 6 ton 10 all week. That's nothing for 240 customers.. There has been no end of people here knocking wanting coal. And to make matters worse they had an accident Thursday night, by the Gate House turning. Pop was driving, a car was coming up behind and Sid said Put your hand out Pop and hurry and when they were half way across the road the car came right into them. Nobody was hurt, good thing, but damaged the lorry, bent the springs, axle and the rear mud guard. They took it to Gordon Massey's to get it repaired Friday. He done it all right. Sid went to report it to the cop in the Pentre. He said he was driving. He doesn't know Pop has a licence. Pop won't let me tell him. He says perhaps he won't come with him. Something to do with them I can tell you. I wish you were back on the job.
Well Jim. I must finish now, so cheerio for now. Hope you will soon be better.
Love from us all, Nora xxx
Duke Street
Soughton
Nr Mold
Flintshire
Sunday Jan 28th 1945
Dear Jim
Thanks for an air mail letter which we received yesterday (dated 16th January) Glad you had received one from me and Gwen. I see you are still in bed, you don't seem to be much better, you cannot be if your temperature is going up. I wonder what is really wrong with you. I wish they would send you home, perhaps they will later on. We worry a lot about you and hope you will get better soon. I am sure you are fed up with being in hospital but you're better there if you're not well. So, you are taking different tablets now, maybe they will do you good. I suppose you feel very weak. Are you able to eat your food? What do you get?. Hope it's something that will do you good.
Well Jim, we are having very cold weather here now. The snow has been on the ground for a week and freezing hard every night. Everything is frozen up in the back kitchen. I've had a pain in the back with cold all week. They have had it hard like this in France. It's a shame Pop has to go out in it and the humbug he gets off these people about the coal. They are here after coal all the time. I am going to write up to Holywell tonight and ask him what he is sending permits here for extra coal for people when there is no coal to meet them. It's a mess these days I can tell you and the cold weather makes things worse. Pop worries so when he cannot get enough coal. He will be going potty over it one of these days. You should hear Sid and him arguing about it here at night. They fair get on my nerves. Let's hope this war ends soon or we will all be going grey and ready for our old age pension.
Well Jim, Ann placed the order for your cigs on Wednesday. Hope they won't take too long in reaching you. She has gone to the pictures tonight with her young man. I suppose I will have to make a bit of supper for them when they come back. She has had a bad finger this week septic in it I think, some stuff off the screws and bolts she is handling must have got in it, but it is a bit better today. She says it's been awful in the factory this week, no heating. Well must close now, hoping
you are feeling better. Cheerio for now.
Love from us all.
Nora xxxx
Jim died 13 days after Nora wrote this letter
This time (Christmas) I hope you all enjoyed yourselves. I had a good dinner here and a couple of ties from the Red Cross. I was thinking of you all the whole of the day and wishing I was home with you all. I hope Pop is getting along with the coal now. I was sorry to hear he had difficulty in getting it before Christmas, just when he wanted it most. It's usually the case.. Wish I was there to do things for him.
I am feeling a bit better tonight. I am better some days than others. Yesterday I didn't feel well at all. They have started giving me some white pills -4 every 4 hours. That only started yesterday. I told the MO here I wasn't too bad till I came to Italy and that I've not felt really well here which is quite true. I was better in Africa.
I hope I will be with you all next Christmas. I got your greetings ok but haven't had Ann's photo yet.
I hope Sid didn't spoil his suit this Christmas.
We have two letters that Norah sent to Jim which we include in full
Duke Street
Soughton
Nr Mold
Flintshire
Sunday January 7th 1945
Dear Jim
Thanks for air mail letter which we received yesterday (dated Dec 31st). I was beginning to think we were not going to hear from you this week and was wondering how you were. However we were glad to hear from you once again and to know you were feeling a little better at time of writing. You say you feel better some days than others. I expect that is because you are weak. I wonder what the pills are they are giving you? Hope they do you some good.
We are always thinking about you out there. Pop is queer about you. I always read your letters to him. He is generally having his breakfast when the post comes. So you didn't have a bad Christmas dinner and a present from the Red Cross aye? I expect you were thinking of us all that day and wishing you were home, the same as we were of you. Glad to hear Gwen has written to you and that she and Babs are well. Hope they had a nice Christmas. Oh ! About the 10/- you told me to keep. I think I will keep it for you when you come home and the other 12/6 . You will need all you can get then. I've got them in a little box.
Ann is disappointed because you have not yet received her photo. She is beginning to think you won't get it but I hope you will get it soon.
Well Jim, we are all keeping well at present. Pop is still sticking it. He has been in a plight with the coal this week. I told you in my last letter about ********* (page damaged impossible to read) yard closing down. They only sent one small wagon into the station. 6 ton 10 all week. That's nothing for 240 customers.. There has been no end of people here knocking wanting coal. And to make matters worse they had an accident Thursday night, by the Gate House turning. Pop was driving, a car was coming up behind and Sid said Put your hand out Pop and hurry and when they were half way across the road the car came right into them. Nobody was hurt, good thing, but damaged the lorry, bent the springs, axle and the rear mud guard. They took it to Gordon Massey's to get it repaired Friday. He done it all right. Sid went to report it to the cop in the Pentre. He said he was driving. He doesn't know Pop has a licence. Pop won't let me tell him. He says perhaps he won't come with him. Something to do with them I can tell you. I wish you were back on the job.
Well Jim. I must finish now, so cheerio for now. Hope you will soon be better.
Love from us all, Nora xxx
Duke Street
Soughton
Nr Mold
Flintshire
Sunday Jan 28th 1945
Dear Jim
Thanks for an air mail letter which we received yesterday (dated 16th January) Glad you had received one from me and Gwen. I see you are still in bed, you don't seem to be much better, you cannot be if your temperature is going up. I wonder what is really wrong with you. I wish they would send you home, perhaps they will later on. We worry a lot about you and hope you will get better soon. I am sure you are fed up with being in hospital but you're better there if you're not well. So, you are taking different tablets now, maybe they will do you good. I suppose you feel very weak. Are you able to eat your food? What do you get?. Hope it's something that will do you good.
Well Jim, we are having very cold weather here now. The snow has been on the ground for a week and freezing hard every night. Everything is frozen up in the back kitchen. I've had a pain in the back with cold all week. They have had it hard like this in France. It's a shame Pop has to go out in it and the humbug he gets off these people about the coal. They are here after coal all the time. I am going to write up to Holywell tonight and ask him what he is sending permits here for extra coal for people when there is no coal to meet them. It's a mess these days I can tell you and the cold weather makes things worse. Pop worries so when he cannot get enough coal. He will be going potty over it one of these days. You should hear Sid and him arguing about it here at night. They fair get on my nerves. Let's hope this war ends soon or we will all be going grey and ready for our old age pension.
Well Jim, Ann placed the order for your cigs on Wednesday. Hope they won't take too long in reaching you. She has gone to the pictures tonight with her young man. I suppose I will have to make a bit of supper for them when they come back. She has had a bad finger this week septic in it I think, some stuff off the screws and bolts she is handling must have got in it, but it is a bit better today. She says it's been awful in the factory this week, no heating. Well must close now, hoping
you are feeling better. Cheerio for now.
Love from us all.
Nora xxxx
Jim died 13 days after Nora wrote this letter
Jim Bateman 1915 - 1945
To end on a lighter note after Jim's sad story, we include one surviving page of a letter he wrote to Gwen. In this letter he tells her a story that Nora had told him about one special day in Sychdyn. We learn about how the ever squabbling Pop and his son Sid, stole the thunder of somebody very important indeed.
Grateful thanks to Jane Ashley - Jim's niece, for the correspondence between Jim and Nora.
