The posts I put on the List took place during the war years so I would like to share two letters that were in "The News" in New Glasgow this week. They presented them as love letters leading up to Valentines Day. The letters were from Stan Dudka from this area to his wife from overseas. Quote from an earlier edition of "The News" :(Stanley Dudka served with distinction in the Second World War. He was wounded and captured in France and later decorated by King George VI. Dudka was also called as a witness in the war crimes trial of Kurt Meyer who was on trial for ordering the execution of Canadian prisoners.) LETTERS TO HOME Stan Dudka writes his wife, Alice, after he escapes captivity in the Second World War... Dear Mom and Alice, I hope this letter finds you in the very best of health. I am feeling great. I know you will be glad to hear from me as you probably think I am dead. I was taken prisoner by the Germans on the 7th of June. I escaped though and am now at Bill's unit with him... I had quite a chilling time escaping from the Germans. It wasn't very easy either but the good Lord was with me. The Germans treated us real bad, just like in a movie only twice as worse. However it's over with now but I will never forget them ba.t..ds for what they done to us. Tell Henry White's folks that he is a prisoner of war, he is quite well...I tried to escape three times but I got caught. I was away from them ten days but I couldn't get through the German lines. We are sure giving them hell now.. I was wounded a couple of times but all that is left of them is scars. I am completely better. We had an awful battle on D.Day and the day after. We had a real important job to do also. We suffered heavy though but we done our job. We met the S.S. troops. They are real ba.t..ds. The main thing though mom is that I made it and am safe and sound. I don't think the war will last much longer. I hope not anyway. Mom, I wish you could see the priest and have a mass offered for my safe return in thanks to God because without him I don't think I would ever have made it. He was with me all the time because I was in some very tight spots. Well mom I guess I will have to close for now with all my love to my dear wife and baby and Dad and you Dear Mom and the rest of the family. Your loving son Stan xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx FROM THE FRONT Stan Dudka writes his wife, Alice, after returning from leave... My darling wife, I am in the middle of my leave now. I came back last night and I received about 50 letters, mostly all from you... I also received a cheque from you, thanks a lot dear. I will send it back as soon as I get my pay fixed up. The Germans took my pay book and now I have to wait to get all my pay but as soon as I do I will send it to you but thanks a lot darling. I am a lucky fellow to have a wife like you darling. Your letters were swell, every one of them. I've read every one over twice and I will read them again tonight. Some day when this war is over and I do come home I'm going to make up to you for all the time I've been away.It'll be hard to get rid of them. I understand how much you love me and baby Stan. I do also love you dear and baby Stan just as much. Keep up the good work darling and keep waiting for me with patience and I will love you twice as much when I do come home. I think I am going for a commission dear, don't build too much hopes on it because I have quite an examination to pass. I think I can though. I will work hard for it thought wont be my fault if I don't pass it. It takes a long time though. I am getting a little civilized again. I am losing my hate and longing to kill Germans. I received a letter yesterday from Mr.and Mrs. Massey, the High Commissioner of Canada in London, congratulating me for good and gallant service in the Front. I also received a photo of you and baby Stan. He sure is a fine looking son dear, isn't he. When I come home we will, like you say, have a daughter too. All my love to my dear wife&baby I love you,Your loving husband Stan Xxxxxxxxooo For you Xxxxxxxxooo For Baby xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Carolyn Wallace