This letter and photo of Hubert is one of many (photos, Airgrams etc) I have from Hubert to his family. The photo was taken in October 1943 in the Middle East. On my Aunts death my cousin gave me those addressed to my mother. Hubert was in the Royal Fusiliers and fought in Africa and Italy. According to my Mother the Dora mentioned in the letter was originally due to marry one of his friends, but it was believed he had been killed in action, so Hubert stepped up. Hubert died in Italy in January 1945.
I’m told Hubert suffered shell shock in Italy and was appointed batman to an MP in Rome. He was accompanying this MP in January 1945 on a flight to Brindisi which was lost at sea. Because two MPs were aboard this was reported in the National Press and in Parliament. There was an inquiry. The MPs and crew were mentioned by name, my uncle however was only referred to as a Batman. Huberts loss had a profound effect on my mother and she spoke to me about how hard it was when it was national news and being discussed in her office. After the war, again according to my mother, it turned out that his friend had been a POW and he eventually came home to marry Dora, I don’t know if this is true. I find the letter poignant in that he can see the end is in sight and he came so close to coming home. The VE Day celebrations must have been very difficult for those families like mine who lost someone so close to the end.
