Pte R.W Fox 6286364

4 Parachute Bde
STALAG XI B No 118298

September 18th 1944

Left England by plane for Holland, landed at 2:30am

September 20th 1944

Wounded in leg by shrapnel (not bad)

September 23rd 1944

The Bde is well cut up but still trying hard with what are left.

September 27th 1944

The boys that were left were so well cut about, that they just had to give in. So ended the battle they tried so hard to hold

September 30th 1944

Went to hospital with leg, but it was ok

October 12th 1944

Evacuated to Germany. 5 days in horse box

October 17th 1944

Arrived at Stalag XI B. What a place to be in.

October 18th 1944

Wrote first letters home. ? had our first Red Cross box.

December 3rd 1944

24 letters came for ?air Borne. None for me.

December 17th 1944

Still no mail from home and so near Xmas.

December 25th 1944

Xmas day and was I thinking of home and the dinner I would be having if I were there, but we did not do too bad and made a Stalag Xmas day as best we could.

December 29th 1944

More letters come but still none for me, I wonder if Mother and Helen know if I am alright.

December 30th 1944

Some more men leave for England bye the Red Cross. They are men who have lost an arm or leg.

January 1st 1945

The start of a New Year and maybe we will soon be out of here.

January 5th 1945

Sold my boots for 150 cigs

January 10th 1945

Lots more letters come, still none for me.

January 15th 1945

Some new P.O.Ws come here, they say the news is good.

January 28th 1945

Today is my mothers birthday and I cant send her a cable, but will see what I can do when I come home.

February 9th 1945

There are not many Red Cross Box's left, and it looks as if we shall be like we were when we first came here.

February 12th 1945

We have had lots of snow and irs been very cold, but now the weather is much better and the snow has gone. We were having a bit of fun with snow balls, and one hit me in the left eye and cut it. The ? at home would like to see as much snow as we have had here.

February 18th 1945

The weather today is the best that we have had, and the sun is ?boiling/lovley.
But all we can do is walk round and round the football ground, and keep saying (Hello) to everyone we see.

February 19th 1945

Today someone started the day off bye saying that the war was over, and said that a Jerry told them so. Well, we have heard all sorts of news and do not believe any of it. But roll on the end of it, as im fed up with this life.

February 29th 1945

Today some more Red X box's came in, but there not very many and will only go one week. I really dont know what we should have done if it were not for the Red Cross, as the food here is very bad. We are now on five men to one loaf which is not very much.

March 3rd 1945

Today more mail came, and lots of it, but for me there were none. Gee I wish there was a letter for me so that I could only know that everyone at home is alright but maybe all will come on the last day im here.

March 5th 1945

Well the weather is bad again and lots more snow fell in the night, and the boys say it will be bad for the men at the front.
 One of the boys who - happens - to - have the same name as myself, had a letter from his wife today ?and she has had a baby boy. Boy, was he pleased to hear that bit of news.