Tuesday, May 11, 2010

A boy who's Father is at war


July 20th, 1944

Hi everyone,

My name is Richard Sharpe. I am 16 years old and my father, Patrick Sharpe, is a soldier fighting in Italy with the Canadian First Division. I want to join up myself and fight with my father beside me but I couldn’t because the recruitment officer saw that I was a year too young. So its just me, Mom, and Edith (a girl who came here from England because of the Blitz in London in 1941) for now While I wait for my 17th birthday, I am doing everything else I can to support the war effort and my father. I am in my school’s cadet program, which trains me for war somewhat. We fire weapons, drill, and tell others to support the Victory Bond Drives. I follow my ration book to the letter to keep my dad well fed. I bring 25 cents to school every Monday to buy War Savings Stamps. Usually I bring more. I want to do all I can to help dad.

I write a letter every week to my father to keep his morale up. I don’t know if they make him feel close to home or more distant but I guess it is good to think about home rather than the war. Once in a while we can send him a care package with a treat like chocolate or cookies, though that is not often thanks to rationing. I follow where Dad is by reading the newspaper. They can tell me where the First Division is and what battles Dad’s been in. Since D-Day I’ve hardly heard anything because the papers only tell us about the war in France. The war in Italy is overshadowed by the campaign in France. I really miss my dad and I hope he will come home soon.

-Richard Sharpe



5 comments:

  1. I think that it is inspiring how much you contribute to the war effort. Your father must be a hero with all the encouragement you are giving him. About not being able to join up, you are too young and you will to be able to handle the physical demand for the army. God bless your dad.
    -Emma Bailey

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  2. You are a brave boy Richard. I'm sure your father is proud to know that you are supporting him from the home front. Also, I will try to seek news from my friends and colleagues regarding the war in Italy.
    ~ Patricia Meyer

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  3. Your father would definitely be proud to hear about such noteworthy efforts to support him at home front. It's terrible how war can painfully separate so many loving families. You have inspired me to work extra hard at the factory!
    -Marilyn Anderson

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  4. Son, I know what you are going through. I know the feeling, having family out there in the battlefields. My son is out there fighting as well. You feel like you are on the sidelines watching, unable to help. But we can help, each and everyone of us at home can make a difference. What you are doing now, your training and purchasing of victory bonds is making a difference. I bet your father is proud of you! Keep it up kid.
    -Gurt Bachett

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  5. Richard, you are truly and extraordinary person. I know all those letters, and treats you have sent him made his day and keeps him fighting until the end.This has inspired me to do everything I can to help in the war effort and I will do everything I can to help your father and the rest of your troops.
    - Shirley Reynolds

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