THIS SITE IS A COLLECTION OF 468 PAGES FROM 200 LETTERS, WRITTEN DURING WORLD WAR 2
Written between William Thompson and Edith Hagon during the WW2 years 1941 to 1945, it is estimated that over 1000 letters would have been sent. Of the letters that survive most are undated, but have been listed as close as possible to the WW2 history timeline.
“Please Excuse Pencil”
This comment can be found on several of the letters. In the 1940’s the ‘fountain pen’ with its refillable ink was mainly in use. The ballpoint pen or 'Biro' did not become available until the 1950’s. Like many things during WW2 both writing paper and ink were scarce. Despite Edith living in the East End of London with the bombing blitz and William away as a soldier the politeness of the era was still maintained with the often written apology, “please excuse pencil”.
William became a soldier at age 19 and died in 1986 aged 63. Edith died in 2005 aged 88.
Written between William Thompson and Edith Hagon during the WW2 years 1941 to 1945, it is estimated that over 1000 letters would have been sent. Of the letters that survive most are undated, but have been listed as close as possible to the WW2 history timeline.
“Please Excuse Pencil”
This comment can be found on several of the letters. In the 1940’s the ‘fountain pen’ with its refillable ink was mainly in use. The ballpoint pen or 'Biro' did not become available until the 1950’s. Like many things during WW2 both writing paper and ink were scarce. Despite Edith living in the East End of London with the bombing blitz and William away as a soldier the politeness of the era was still maintained with the often written apology, “please excuse pencil”.
William became a soldier at age 19 and died in 1986 aged 63. Edith died in 2005 aged 88.
© 2015 Alan & Robert Thompson on behalf of William F G Thompson and Edith I Thompson.
Website Design: Alan Thompson
Website Design: Alan Thompson
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