Many of John Harder's letters home to his family have been retained by the family & I was privelidged to be able to read and record them and my thanks go out to the family (especially Lewis and Carrol) for sharing them with me allowing me to get to know “Junior” who, up to this point had been little more than a pencilled name on a wooden shed wall. I've summarised them below; if you'd like to see copies of the originals, there's a set held at the RAF musum at Hendon, just outside London

3/12/1941	First letter home My emotions about the whole RAF setup are mingled, I shall now endeavour to enlarge upon them…My principal bone of contention with the outfit is the perfectly outrageous misrepresentation or misinformation; I don’t know which; with which all of us were fed in the various field offices. Squadron Leader Greave hauled us in yesterday and told us the bare facts. It appears to the astute observer that the British are taking advantage of America’s youth to hand out the dirtiest jobs obtainable. After the meeting, I paid him a call and told him all my emotions on the subject. He, by the way, is a straight-shooter and a good guy. He was very nice about the whole business and told me to hang on and see what happens, as it is never too late to withdraw. I doubt if I will have to withdraw as I am just staying here day to day. This course is way out of my class. I am doing my best, but not one of the other fellows has had less than 300 hours. The instructors are damned nice, however, and are giving me a lot of extra time in the high-?? Ships that we have for parts of the course. One of the things that they informed us about was that we are not going to receive any leave before going to England. We kicked like hell at that and I think we are going to win our point. Meanwhile we are all having a wonderful time.
8/12/1941	Second letter … it is with the deepest regret of past actions that I now review my haste in writing you my first letter. Not 15 minutes after I mailed your letter, S/L Greave called me in and told me that everything was hunky-dory; that all my humble requests had been granted! I assure you, Mummy, I now don’t regret my enlistment one bit. I have never been happier in my life!... all, including myself, are constant in one purpose: to do our best for the new Allies, Britain and the United States. News has just this minute arrived that those of us who desire, may transfer to the United States Army Air Corps, with a 2nd Lieutenant’s commission in 7 weeks. Of course, I am not eligible due to age. However, Colonel Guthrie advised me to give an age of 21 without substantiation, a falsification which is entirely within the (war) law. However, I prefer to remain with the RAF, as I think it is to our advantage as well as my own. The reports that the United States were involved in war with Japan came as an awful shock. Nevertheless, everyone is confident that the final outcome will be victory for us, despite the first reverses that have been reported. Of course, everything out here is under Martial Law, due to tremendous defence projects in this vicinity. I most earnestly hope that you will write a short note immediately advising me of what action Lewis and Phil will take in this war. … the flying is getting much easier and I won my wings yesterday after passing my primary aerobatics check in a North American AT-6A advanced trainer… I soloed it the day before and so am now through the worst
9/12/1941	Rushed Letter following phone call to mother (writing quite scrappy compared to others) Obviously been “promoted” to some rank as …” do not broadcast my meagre influence out here , as it is restricted entirely to manoeuvres on the drilling grounds”
10/12/1941	Letter to “Grammy” “I want you to know, Grammy, that I have never been happier in my life. I have not found anything yet in life that agreed with me so thoroughly as does military life. It is the first time that I have ever knuckled down to any discipline, but I love it. I hope that in this career which I have chosen I will be able to prove something to you and the rest of the family.” Still uncertain whether he would “pass out” successfully Currently a member of the 1st American Eagle Flight Bomber Squadron
13/12/1941	Telegram advising of confirmed first leave!
5/1/1942	Letter to mother thanking for gifts and “the perfectly wonderful Christmas furlough”. Also he has just been paid all of his “due salary” & cleared off his debts! “Our course has been considerably lengthened and so I’ll be lucky if I get out of here in less than three months. The better one’s training; the better your chance of survival”.
18/1/1941 (sic)	Letter to “Mrs B” (envelope still addressed to Mother) “Everything is going fine, am still thoroughly satisfied with my choice of service, and always will be. Due to the fact that I am by five years the youngest and by many hours the most inexperienced, my training has been no snap. However, in one phase, I have beaten all the others. I got a 96 rating on instrument flying which is higher than any of my comrades or predecessors have gotten. I think this will be a big help in getting a commission. I hope so.”
25/1/1942	Brief not to Uncle George & Aunt Lucille Thanking for many letters & money. “… just finished consuming a phenomenal amount of drinks as part of a small three week celebration in honour of my promotion” (not specified)
26/1/1942	Letter to mother – signed “Basil” “… I hope I convinced Lew that ‘they also serve, who only stand and wait’. Please tell him I’ll write him concerning any new developments”
8/2/1942	Letter to mother Moving to Canada on 23rd February, then to New York & finally overseas. Still concerned that he will be eliminated from training… “I hope and pray I don’t give them any cause to suspect I am not man enough to see a tough a job as this through. There are only seventeen of us left now. The rest have been weeded out for one thing and another in flying. It is extremely doubtful if I will get my commission right away as there are too many fine fellows who have had pervious military experience. It is only right that our commission quota be filled by them. Also, I’ll feel honoured to be a Sergeant-Pilot after the number of fellows who haven’t made the grade here. Remember, too, that I am two years below recommended age even though I am eligible for commission by virtue of a clean record so far.”
5/3/1942	Brief not on paper from Chateau Laurier hotel, Ottawa to mother following “final departure” & telling her not to worry and that he is “… happier now than ever before and have a real chance to prove myself. Enough is enough…”
9/3/1942	Letter to Grammy on RAF notepaper from “Officer’s overseas pool in Monkton, New Brunswick waiting for transportation to England”
11/3/1942	Letter to Uncle George – again emphasising the fact that he has “never been happier in my life, and that I have no regrets about joining the RAF. If it was to be done all over again, I would do it only about a year sooner. It may seem unpatriotic, but this is one American volunteer who will never transfer to the United States Forces. I feel I owe too much to the RAF”
24/3/1942	Telegram to mother advising of UK arrival signed Pilot Officer John Harder
29/3/1942	Letter to mother Very happy “…it’s a wonderful country…” Also asked for “… a jar or two of strawberry jam…”
23/5/1942	Letter to mother – JWH obviously not sent anything home, recently as he starts with an apology & a promise to “turn over a new leaf and write more often” “..grounded for a while…” (no reason given, ‘though hinted that due to injury/illness) “… I’m too dumb to get hurt…” (Hints at family rivalry between him & brothers) “… Lewis and Phil have always been senior to me before, but by cracky, I’m bloody well their senior officer now and as a result rate a salute from them! Please inform them of this….” “If you were to see me now, you would probably not recognise me due to the exquisite fire hazard which has emerged below my nose! Said moustache is not a fiery red as might be expected but is beautifully blonde. The tips protrude beyond the corners of my feeding aperture and are beginning to curl beautifully…”
6/7/1942	Letter to mother …”I regret to say that this is not a very happy letter. Five of my best friends were killed in action a little while ago and as the six of us had always gone through everything together it sort of leaves me lonely not to have them around…. On top of that, some silly old woman of a medical officer has grounded me again – he thinks permanently…” “As far as Lewis is concerned … tell him not to look at flak, flash and flaming onions at night as it will ruin your bloody eyes for months; I know. Nothing permanent, sort of like snow blindness. Mine are serviceable, but a lot of fellows’ aren’t. Also tell him to avoid Catalinas, they’re cold meat these days…”
20/8/1942	Telegram to Mother “Safe & Well”
26/8/1942	Letter to mother (written whilst on 48 hr leave to Bournemouth). “… been really busy of late. Similar to Lew, past reports of laziness and not enough flying are being rapidly disproved... Everything is dandy and I am having the time of my life as I am sure the Germans are not.” Plays Base Viol with station orchestra
22/9/1942	Telegram to mother “Can possible bank 172 dollars for contact lenses most urgent letter follows love John Harder
30/9/1942	Letter to mother “…thank you from the bottom of my heart for the money. If I had not been able to get the contact lenses they would have shipped me back to America, Canada or Australia as a ferry pilot or instructor, which, as you know I wouldn’t have liked. I now have the lenses and they fit perfectly…. They are really splendid, completely comfortable, unbreakable, and invisible. However, due to the fact that contact lenses cut down the light by about 30%, I think you will be glad to know I am giving up the heavy stuff. I am rather pleased in a way to get off night work. I am remustering to twin engined day fighters which is exceedingly safe as anyone knows so don’t worry.”
13/10/1942	Telegram “Could possibly send 82 dollars more eye expenses safe and well love Pilot officer John Harder”
3/11/1942	Letter to mother Eyesight suffered as a result of non-flying accident (no details). “…made the decision to go onto fighters of my own free will as I did not think it quite fair to a crew that they should have to fly with me and my seeing-eye dog!. I am now taking a short conversion course to day fighters.” Comments that many Americans transferred back to US forces but that he is “…staying put; I like it here. The only phase of the RAF which hasn’t panned out satisfactorily is the promotions angle. Due to the fact that I am considered very young, it will probably be a year or more until I am a Flying Officer.” Now shaved off his moustache “…in keeping with the apparent youth of Fighter Command!” Congratulations to Henry on decision to become a medic & to remind Lewis that, although he is probably an Ensign by now, John is still senior officer.
7/11/1942	Letter to Henry “… I’ve transferred to fighters – Spitfires and all that. Afraid you have nothing to match them in all round excellence” Looking toward operational rest in “about a year at which time I’ll probably come over to USA for ferrying or something like that”
3/12/1942	Letter to mother with gentle “whinge” about lack of letters from her Also reports death of Captain Dale Harder, Gordon Highlanders killed in Egypt
16/12/1942	Letter to mother Thanks for socks, etc… difficult to obtain clothing coupons to purchase. Once again thanks her for financial contribution for his contact lenses. Also thanks her for the “…good things of life for 18 odd years…”
7/1/1943	Letter to mother “…shocked to hear of Avery’s nervous breakdown…” “… promoted as of September 16, 1942 to the rank of Flying Officer. It’s equivalent on your side of the big pond as a Lieutenant (jg) in the US Navy… slight increase in pay (as P/O 14/6, as F/O 18/2) not bad, eh? I am well pleased with it, but I am sure that I shall not go up to Flight-Lieutenant (pronounced leftenant!) for about two years or more unless the odd Hun or eight manages to place himself in my sights … my blasted age has proved a bit of a handicap”
8/2/1943	Letter to mother “…beginning to worry a bit…” due to no letters Now based in Scotland “…a bit chilly this time of year…” Asked for gloves, scarf, etc & also asked about Avery’s health He had received a letter from an old “flame” who obviously thought more of their “relationship” than he had. Suggesting that she “…steer Hank from becoming a pilot. He’s just a kid yet and I’m afraid he’s a mad young sod as I was when I was his age…”
9/3/1945	Letter to Mother. Return address on envelope shows RAF Station Fairlop, Essex, England Relieved to hear that Avery improving. “…I am once again down in the “active” zone. You may remember reading of (cut out by censor) during the Battle of Britain. It’s a marvellous station and an excellent location for one who likes his London as much as I do!” “…best wishes to Lew for lots of luck with his Avenger. Tell him that he won’t stand a chance if he meets up with (cut out by censor) and myself.”
9/4/1943	Letter to Mother from Ayr Moved up to Ayr for “a rest for a little while. It is particularly disappointing in that the Hun was just beginning to play about again. Incidentally, the only other American still in the RAF was in my squadron. Unfortunately he was snatched to JC down south with us. His name was R Saunders Draper, New York and Palm Beach. Would you see if you can find out something about him for me? He was a hell of a nice bloke and just wondered who he was, etc. “Aside from being in bloody Scotland, everything’s OK…” “… I have (cut out by censor) now and my personal markings are painted on the side. I wish you could see it… my personal letter is “K” for king-pin which I am!
29/4/1943	Telegram – All well very busy
30/5/1943	Letter to “Mother and Dad” “… so busy now that I thought one fair size letter would be more appreciated than two of my usuals!... I’ve been in bags of shooting recently, mostly on the wrong end of it though! However, we are more than a match for Focke-Wulf 190s and the new Messerschmitt 109G that I imagine you’ve heard about. One imagines that everybody has heard about them. We might mention in passing that quite frequently we manage to shoot them down, in spite of their awe-inspiring reputation with the US 8th Air Force.”
30/7/1943	Telegram – All well letters follow much love
6/9/1943	Telegram – All well how is Avery cable care of RAF Station Gravesend Kent Love to all
29/9/1943	Telegram – All well, Expect no letters, Very busy, much love
4/10/1943	Letter to mother on 64 Squadron headed paper Mentions “…it was pure and simple a case of bad luck. I was not hurt badly, but the medicos put me non-ops for about 10 weeks. I am completely fit now and have been for ages. I am sorry I can’t enlarge on the above, but the rest of the tale will have to wait until after the war.” Asked her for a replacement sweep-second watch as his existing one had gone U/S “You might be interested to know that I am Deputy Flight Commander (Leader) now… I am looked upon as one of the “old hands” now by the young types in the Squadron. If they only knew what a clot they were following, it would shake them rigid!” Also refers to “…Lew’s and Dotty’s baby girl. That’s a bloody good show…” and “Avery’s miraculous improvement” both of which are obviously good news.
7/12/1943	Typed letter to mother “…an experiment more than anything…” basically thanks for Christmas presents
7/12/1943	Further typed letter to mother “…ran out of paper… and had a few more things to say” Basically family news
25/12/1943	Telegram advising contact now c/o RAF Coltishall, Norfolk
29/12/1943	Telegram – Happy Christmas & promise to “be home next year”
Undated	Telegram – Again Happy Christmas to Gertrude Borton
13/2/1944	Telegram – All well here. Promoted. Seen Foster Evans. How is Avery. Reply much love Flight Lieutenant John Harder
13/3/1944	Telegram - All well, No answer last cable. Everything all right? Always loving you. Flight Lieutenant John Harder
2/4/1944	Letter to mother “… was overjoyed a week or so ago to see Phil. I couldn’t possibly get away to see him, so he came up here to see me! Mohammed to the Mountain sort of thing!... he seemed impressed with the Spitfires and all the allied examples of life in the RAF! I gave him a small exhibition of what a Spitfire could do and I’m afraid thoroughly shook him!...also a thousand thanks for the watch it is really wizard. The one that Grammy gave me is being repaired and I should have it back inside of four months or so. I am second in command of the Squadron and “B” flight commander as well now so all is very hectic… a water colour of me was painted for you in London about two months ago and I hope to send it on inside of a week as a belated and long delayed Xmas present”
17/6/1944	Telegram – All well here. Much fun. Hope Avery and all are well. Love John Harder
12/6/1944	Letter to mother “As you can see from the date, this letter is being written ‘après le deluge.’ About the much-vaunted Second Front, there’s not much I can say except it has all been even harder work than usual.” General bemoaning of the fact that in the American forces “…they get ‘gongs’ for just doing bags of ops hours or for completing a tour. We don’t get them except for things like the ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ or something!”
27/6/1944	Telegram – All well, no news for long time, much love. John Harder
14/7/1944	Letter to “Dad and Daa” “Once again I must ask for your forgiveness for a very long silence. As perhaps you can imagine, we have been very busy lately. All this invasion nonsense, etc. It was rather good fun, most of it “I am on a spot of leave now (2½ days!!), the first since March, and am enjoying myself immensely. “I managed an evening in Bayeux, but couldn’t enjoy it, thinking of days gone by before allied landings, when many a good friend of mine went down around that bloody place. It was a very hot spot two years ago. “Though you no doubt think it impossible, I was acting CO of a fighter squadron throughout most of the invasion, as the squadron Leader’s nerves had rather packed up. Can honestly say led first beach cover all of the air force patrol on D-Day. Also led Wing several time on shows. Don’t broadcast (badform) but am up for a gong as twice before. The chances are still very slim as the British distinctly abhor the idea of George VI pinning things on foreigners! Never –the – Less, I would like to have something on the chest when I go home to show I have at least been in a war. I am finishing off my third tour now, and don’t think I could face another one without a rest; so expect me anytime from September on, if all goes well. “Though have said nothing before, am very happy Sterling got thru his first ok. The first is always the toughest. I still laugh when I think of some of the absolutely comical states of fright I used to get in! As Sterling can tell you, one outgrows it in time. “Please give my regards to all in Philmont. I miss the place more than you know “Much love “Johnny”
21/7/1944	Letter to Mother Refers to letter sent “to pop”. Also “…I’m afraid the old health isn’t all that it should be at the moment. Nothing specific wrong, just a bit tired. As a result, I am taking it rather easy at the moment and doing only a very few shows. We did more than a few up to, including and after the so called invasion “I have seen or heard nothing from Phil since our meeting last winter, but imagine that he has been in on all the recent fun.” Written in pencil on the back of this letter is the following “Copy of letter your Father received from John after he’d been shot down – he only just sent it thru to me”
23/7/1944	Telegram – All well. Thanks for presents all received. Don’t worry always careful. Love John Harder
9/8/1944	Letter from the RAF Benevolent Fund to mother “Dear Madam, “The Council of the RAF Benevolent Fund have learnt with much regret that your son is reported missing, and I am asked to express their very sincere sympathy” It then goes on to explain that in many families the son was the main “earner” & funding is available, if required from the fund
18/8/1944	POW Postcard to mother from M.-Stammlager Luft 3 (as yet, no POW number allocated to John) “Dear mother and dad: I earnestly hope that by this time you have heard I am POW. I am very well cared for. Sorry to have caused you so much worry. Everyone runs out of luck at some point, but I am very fortunate to be alive and uninsured. Please write and send parcels if possible. Much love to you both and all. Johnny”
21/9/1944	POW Postcard to mother fromKreigsgefangenenlager der Luftwasse Nr 3. John has now been given POW Number 7343 “Dearest mother: “Just a short note to let you know I am in good health and that all goes well with me. I am very worried about Avery, please let me know all you can about her condition in your next letter. I am keeping myself well occupied with the study of aeronautical engineering, so to date, th egreat enemy, boredom, has not defeated me. Let’s hope it’s not too long before we meet again. Much love, God Bless, Johnny”
5/9/44	Letter from: Squadron Leader John Plagis D.F.C. and Bar Rhodesia House 429 Strand London W C 2 5/9/44 Dear Mrs. Crawford Burton, First I must apologize for not having written to you before about your son John Harder-or "Junior" as we all knew him by. I was flying with Junior at the time when he was hit by enemy flak near Laval In Brittany. He endeavoured to make the beachhead but his engine failed about 10 miles N, E. of Laval and he was seen to bale out and descend safely to the ground. I expected him to return to England through the enemy lines - or escape via Spain - but so far no-news. If he was captured by the Huns I think it will be some time before you hear - as they are now routed and I should imagine in France Red Cross communication has temporarily ceased. I have taken personal care of all his personal belongings and looking after them till I hear from him. MR. P.J. SCARLATOS,"PANTHEON", WOTFORPE,STAFFORD,LINCS ENGLAND. The above address is a very kind gentleman with whom Junior and I used to go and spend our leave-and all his personal belongings are lodged at his house for safekeeping. Mr. and Mrs. Scarlatos -a cinema owner and fairly wealthy, was very fond. of Junior and I and treated us like sons in their house. You will no doubt hear from the Scarlatos. I may come over to the States on a lecture tour at the end of the year for a break as I have been fighter piloting now for 4 years without a break and I will most certainly look you up and bring all your son's belongings. Before I close I would like to say that your son is a very gallant and courageous young man and has done a wonderful job of work in this war. Keep your chin up - I am sure you will eventually hear that your son is well and safe. You will hear from me again in the near future. Very sincerely, (signed) JOHN P.S. "Junior" and I were in the same squadron for 14 months and always flew together and shared many adventures, and consequently became very staunch and close friends, GHB/ah
14/9/44	First full letter from “Junior” as POW. Addressed to “Mother, Dad & Family” from Stammlager Luft3 A few reflections on “my existence as a “kriegie”” “We live in a compound surrounded by the inevitable barbed wire. There is ample room for sports & exercise within th eprcincts of the “Lager” or camp”. “Huts are well built” “Alternate by weeks, on as cook, sweeper, tea bearer, etc. We receive the same rations as their soldiers from the Germans, and these we supplement with the Red Cross food parcels, although of late these have been in rather short supply due to the invasion. Incidentally, Grammy’s cook, Anna, has nothing on me in the craft conjuring of corn beef into something more palatable; in short, I am a culinary artist! “In retrospect, I must say I was rather down-hearted at being put in the bag when I was on the eve of a promotion, getting a squadron of my own, which has always been my ambition. Please let me know if you have heard anything from the CO or anyone else. Do you know any details of the disposal of my kit, both service and personal? I was put up to HM for the DFC again in July, but my nationality and unknown whereabouts doubtless has cancelled even that! C’est la guerre! Hoping this finds you as it leaves me, healthy, wealthy and wise!” “Much, much love to you all, Johnny”
28/9/44	Kriegie post card from Kriegsgefangenlager der Luftwaffe Nr 3 Addressed to “Mother” “Well and happy under the circumstances” “Hard at work on the accordion again. Have you heard anything from my friends about my kit? How is Avery? Much love”
13/10/44	Telegram to Mother from “Mary Burghley” “Thanks for cable we rejoice to hear that Johnnie is well”
17/10/44	Letter to Mummy & Family. "The days roll by so swiftly..." "I had a very nice outing last week - three days at the military hospital in Breslau. The X Rays there proved all damage from my last parachute decent has been repaired. The German doctors were so decent that it was difficult to believe that I was a Prisoner of War!” “I am a very popular man in the stube (room) today, because of my current culinary achievement - chocolate soufflé! The ingredients are: Klim (powdered milk), 12 powdered eggs, two chocolate bars, considerable mixing, very little sugar, slight cooking; serve in coffee cups! I'll make you one when I get home.” “My studies these days include three hours a day on Russian. It is not too easy, but I am getting on well with it. The engineering is also going well. All these things help to alleviate the inevitable boredom.” Looking forward to family reunion
21/10/44	Letter to Daddy & Daa "You are no doubt getting the shock of your lives hearing from me in such frequent intervals. But then I am not exactly pressed for time here!” "My monotonous daily routine might interest you. Arise at 0945, roll call 1000, study until 1200, morning brew (coffee, tran??, etc) until 1230, study until 1600, main meal 1600-1700, roll call again at 1700, study until 2130, then evening brew again (coffee, tran?? etc) study until 2359 lights out at midnight. As you can see it is not a very exciting existence. The term study includes for me; Russian, aeronautical eng; diesel eng. and a few more things” “How are things going at the mills these days? I am more anxious than ever you can imagine to get home. I think I may say that a little bit of war is more than enough for most people, me included. Experience has taught me that ??? the lessons have been rather harsh.” Regards to all, etc
12/11/44	Kriegie card from Kriegsgefenenlager der Luftwaffe Nr 3 (John has added "Stalag Luft 3") Happy Christmas. "Bored stiff here -with not enough to do...still no word from you" "Any word from my chaps in England"
13/11/44	Letter from W/Cdr H Bird-Wilson from RAF Station, Bradwell Bay, nr Southminster, Essex “Dear Mrs Crawford-Burton (this bit handwritten) We have just heard from the Air Ministry that your son, F/Lt Harder, is now a Prisoner of War and to us of the Bradwell Wing this is very welcome news indeed as we were all beginning to fear the worst had happened to "Junior" owing to the lapse of time since he was shot down at Mayenne on the 24th July, 1944. 2. I don't know if anyone has already informed you as to what actually happened on the above date, but this is the way I saw it, as I was leading "Junior" in the attack on the targets behind the enemy lines before the final breakthrough began at Avranches. This was our normal daily duty. 3. On this particular day we were flying in the Laval-Mayenne area when we sighted an enemy train loaded with war material, so we all went down to straffe it and destroyed it. We met the usual enemy flak and, unfortunately “Junior" was hit in the engine. He spoke to me on the radio to say he could not make our base, which was in the South-East of England, or even the aerodrome in the beach-head at Cherbourg. His last message was that he was baling out, and his No 2 pilot circled around him while he was floating down to make sure that he landed safely in a field. 4. We all thought he would walk through into our own lines, or be picked up by our advancing troops, but as time passed we began to think he was a Prisoner of War or had unfortunately been caught by the SS Troops. 5. Before I close I should like to say, on behalf of all the pilots in this wing that we have never met a more outstanding personality in an officer than we met in "Junior". He was liked by everyone, and it was a great loss to us in the Wing when he was shot down. 6. We all hope his stay will not be a long one, and we are doing our utmost to see that it won’t be. 7. May I wish you all a very happy Christmas, and all the best in the New Year. Sincerely yours (Signed)H Bird -Wilson W/Cdr”
19/11/44	Letter to mother & family "...still received no word from anyone...older prisoners say 6 months is about the average time it takes to get news through. My only hope is that it is not too long before the Red Cross notified you that I was a Prisoner of War." Keeping busy with education, time passing slowly "it seems a lifetime ago that I did anything useful to society. We are very well treated by the Germans, so on the whole it isn’t a bad life. The psychological aspect is the insidious enemy. Self-pity, introspection and melancholy are prevalent among the older types. I think this phase of the war with its hopes and disappointments is the hardest to take. SO many of us had hoped to be home by Christmas; it looks now as if we shall be lucky to be home by 1946." Again seeking word from home & pals in England & hopes "watercolour... was satisfactory" Made plans for reunion once war over
12/12/44	Letter to mother & family "I am happy to state that the first news from home since July 24th arrived yesterday. It was a letter from Avery dated October 14th. Thank her very much from me. On top of that, a Swedish YMCA representative stopped by last week with the welcome news that all was well at home and that you knew I was a "kriegie". As a result, I am now feeling considerably bucked, and m hoping to have this blasted war over and done with is another year or so. I am still anxious to her from you, but I suppose that is only a matter of days" Again enquiries about home & "friends in England" "wouldn't be surprising if most of them had moved on to other planets by this time. I might mention that all are not as fortunate as myself. I know two caterpillars and a membership in the Goldfish club (for having saved your worthless neck with a rubber dinghy!) are going to hold me for some time to come! I am in good health and fine spirits; my back is nearly perfect now."
29/12/44	Letter to Colonel Evans I cannot thank you enough for your very kind letter, received the day before Xmas. It arrived the same time as my first letter from Mother. I may say that the two of them provided me with quite the nicest Xmas present I have ever had. Thanks so much about the various news items from the family. Your mention of my being recommended for a "gong" is the first I've heard of it. However, being a POW I doubt if it will be approved. Also my present useless state hardly deserves one. We all had the merriest possible Xmas under the circumstances, and we all hope that the next time will be back in England" Again ends with details of studies & thanks for letter..." I cannot tell you how much it cheered me"
30/12/44	Letter to Mother & Dad Red Cross parcel (including turkey) came through in time for Christmas. Had managed to hoard & with Red Cross ones,"...my Xmas cooking resulted in three of the boys becoming ill through overeating! A good thing!" "Nicest Xmas present I have ever had was the receipt of your first letter on Dec 20. It arrived with others from Cincy, Arthur Evans, Aunt Baba, Britta and Uncle George" "I am in very good health, but find this life of uselessness and inactivity a pretty stiff cup to drink. So glad Mac (S/Ldr MacKenzie) visited you. Hope he didn't reveal any secrets which dispel the halo of piousness surrounding my British private life!"
23/1/45	Kriegie card ("British POW") to Khaki & Jenny Thanking them for letter of 24/10/44 "I am very well, but bored stiff with this life"
23/1/45	Letter to mother Received 3rd letter from her, but was first one she had written. Apologises for the fact that he had given her cause for worry, but puts it down to the fact that lots of prisoners being captured at the time & "Not surprising that news took some time to come through to you" "I am glad that you saw Mac and heard from Johnny Plagis. He (Johnny) is the very best friend I have ever had. We had been through quite a lot of nonsense together over a long period of time. I hope he is OK." Wishes luck to family
30/1/45	Letter to Mr Crawford Burton from War Prisoners Aid of the YMCA Dear Mr Burton, You will recall that several months ago you requested this office to try to contact F/Lt John Worthington Harder on behalf of his mother. We are happy to report at this time that a cable has just been received here from our Geneva Headquarters with the following message: "Visited Stalag Luft 3 December 5th. Well. Send greetings Harder. Secretary (YMCA representative) Brought first home news. Appreciated" We are delighted to be able to pass this word on to you, and trust you will let Lt Harder's mother know about it, for we are sure it will bring comfort to her to know that someone has been able personally to see her son. Sincerely yours Signed Louise Greene Secretary to J Courtenay Anderson
7/2/45	Kriegie card (French wording) from Stalag III-A John written "New Address Stalag III-A Oflag, Germany"
12/2/45	Letter to Mother, Dad & Family "As you will have observed from my changed address, I have moved camps. Everything goes well with me, but I'm afraid we've seen the last of the Red Cross parcels. Partial issues and general short supplies have been the order for some time now. Due to my move I'm afraid I can expect no more mail from you for some time - but such are the trials of a POW! I am in excellent health, but the nickname of "Smiles" or "Porky" would not fit me any more. I need clothing very badly - particularly a warm sweater and socks, etc. Hope you can send these on. So glad you heard from Jock MacKenzie - he is a very sound type. Hope Plagis manages to see you. He is the best friend a man ever had."
12/2/45	Letter sent BY mother to JWH "Returned to sender by direction of War Department - undeliverable as addressed" "Dearest Johnny, Your letters and postals have been coming through quite regularly, the last was dated Oct 31.So glad you are well and comparatively happy. Very pleased at your account of the excellent medical attention at Breslau, hope your back & legs give no further trouble. We have been notified by the YMCA that their field man visited Luft III on Dec 7 and contacted you personally giving first news of home. I figure you must have begun to get your first home letters about Jan 15 6 I have heard from some of your mates, have mentioned this in earlier letters but will repeat names MacKenzie, Plagis, H Bird-Wilson. Your kit, all personal belongings are with your friends the Scarlato's at Stamford packed and sent there in July by Mackenzie & Cooper. Sheila has written me recently that she has stored with her "housekeeper" in London some belongings of yours. She is now working for the USA (has left the RC) and is stationed in Paris. David is in Holland and OK as far as we know."...”No outstanding family news except Phil's wedding Jan 24 1945 to Margaret" Further brief notes about the wedding, etc
22/3/45	Letter to Mrs Crawford Burton from POW Department of British Red Cross Dear Mrs Crawford Burton Re:119026 Flight Lieut J Harder Thank you for your letter of March 2nd and for the very generous gift enclosed, for which we send you herewith our official receipt. Your son's appreciation of the work of this Organisation is most gratifying and we are very glad that he has told you he is benefiting from the Red Cross supplies at Stalag Luft 3 Since the district in which this camp was situated has been overrun by the Russian Armies, the Prisoners from Stalag Luft 3 have been moved westward, but have not been kept altogether and no detailed information of their new addresses has yet reached this Office. We are informed by the postal authorities that letters can still be sent to the old address and it is hoped they will be forwarded by the German authorities. For the time being, no individually addressed parcels are being accepted for Prisoners of War from this camp. Every effort is, of course, being made to maintain the supplies of Red Cross supplies in the face of extreme difficulties. We think it is possible that your son's new address may reach you in a letter from him before it is known in this office and trust you will not have long to wait. Any official notification received here will be passed to you as quickly as possible. Although we know that this will be an anxious time for the relatives of all Prisoners of War, we trust you will try not to worry too much. Yours sincerely, pp EM Thornton Director
11/5/45	Copy of lettergram to mother Dearest mother & family Am safe and well in American hands in Germany. It's all over now and I'm not sorry. The food here is marvellous, three meals each day instead of a morsel of bread every other day! It all seems too good to be true. I hope to reach England shortly where I must indulge in the usual exPOW "processing". Have seen some of Uncle Lew's old boys around - they are a tough mob - believe me. If you haven't heard from me by cable before this - please send a cable giving all family news care of Chase Bank, London. Expect to be home in about six weeks, but I don't know how long everything in England is going to take. My health is good but I've got an awful lot of weight to pick up, as perhaps you might have gathered - POW life has been no heaven for last 6 months. No news from you since January. Much love to all, Johnny.
14/5/45	Armed Forces Air Letter to mother & family "All well here, but still on my ay home. Am having a deliciously gay time - wine, women and song; all heavily concentrated. It's all too good to be true! "Please don't be disappointed at the length of time it will doubtless be before I get home - British Red Tape moves in mysterious ways. I surely will be back by my birthday although at the moment I am sure I wouldn't be able to tell you how old I will be! The Brussels cognac is "sehr gut" and after so long without alcohol - it only takes 5 or 6 tots to put me back in jail (a familiar spot) ... three loud raucous cheers for Uncle Lew's boys - my liberators on the 18th April."
17/5/45	Telegram to mother Safe in England Cable follows John Harder
18/5/45	Telegram to mother Liberated from prison camp by Russian forces now safe and well in England. Spine nearly perfect. Congratulations Phil and Margaret, hope to be home on leave early June. Please cable all news Claridge's London forthwith. Have Eugene make me Calobar flying sun glasses to last description and prescription and hold in New York. Miss you all terribly. Much love to you and family. Flight Lieutenant John Harder RAF
2/6/45	Letter to mother & family. written c/o Mr PJ Scarlato, Wothorpe, Nr Stamford Lines, England Starts with thanks for letters, cable, etc..."My British homecoming was somewhat saddened by finding how few of my friends are left. Wing Commander Johnny Plagis, my very best friend has gone back to Rhodesia with his wife, and wants me to get out of the Air Force and come out and go into his gold and tobacco business with him. A permanent commission in the RAF is also another possibility. However when I get home we will discuss all these things.” "Although I am in excellent shape, it very definitely takes some time to become acclimatised to having all the food you can eat again; so I am really quite glad of this opportunity to get back into perfect shape before I come home.” “My final phase in Germany, after the Russians arrived, was not too happy; in fact, at times we wished that they had never shown up. I ad three other chaps escaped from the camp and made our way to the American lines, swimming the Elbe and Moldau rivers on the way. My camp has only yesterday been repatriated, so I got back quite a while before the mob. I'll tell you all about it when I get home." Then again apologises for worry caused "incidentals accompanying war making"
6/6/45	Telegram to mother Many thanks money cable. Date return unknown, health good, on leave, love to all hope to be with you this month, much love, John Harder
19/9/45	Letter to mother postmarked Stamford, Lincs "First letter since my return to England" "The future is very hazy. Although I could get out immediately if I wanted to be difficult about it; I think that graceful departure will be affected in November. At the moment I am sure that I will be home for Christmas, but then again, I might drop in on Johnny Plagis on the way, just to see if he is behaving himself. Thanks a million for the wonderful leave at home. It was something that I had been thinking of for a long time. Anticipation proved itself vastly inferior to realisation." comments about dusting & cleaning ending with "...I will arrange for one of the boys to bring you some Jap kriegies to slave in the 1115 Buchenwald" Wants to know about "family developments" "Is Dotty still comfortable? Please keep me posted on Stork developments & questions about Henry, Philip & Lew "I shall have to be hacking up to George's joint soon to collect my gong (DFC). Birdy is also due for his third trip there for his DSO and so I hope that we will be going together. Please tell Lew that I have got all the poop from group on jets; and that they are out of this world and very nice to fly"
26/10/45	Letter to mother & family postmarked Ramsgate, Kent (RAF Manston) (567 Squadron, RAF Manston, Isle of Thanet, Kent) Apologises for lack of letter - "just managed to get some paper and borrow some ink" then scolds mother for "nothing (double underlined) from you except the telegram for which I am deeply grateful" Pass on love to all & apologise for not writing wants to hear of "activities this winter, provided they do not report an over enthusiastic attitude towards dusting and birthing babies" "I am very much here and there these days: France, Belgium, Goonland, Holland, etc being the usual run of things (pleasure only!) My present capacity very closely parallels Lew's last summer. I have these aircraft of my own, viz: 1 Spitfire XVI 1 Oxford IV 1 Vengeance IV Not to mention, of course, my latest diversion which is learning all there is to know about "jets". I have flown a fair bit already on the "Meteor" and am hoping shortly to fly a "Vampire". I have also had the very doubtful honour of participating in the preliminary trials for the World's Speed Record which is being run from here as your papers may have mentioned. "Any immediate release for me is a bit difficult as my situation as a "unit commander" and also my four very short years of war service as against most of my contemporaries six and a half rather forestalls this. However, it won't be long. It will be difficult for you to understand this; but England’s only hope of avoiding revolution, inflation, starvation & kindred (??) unpleasantness is to control manpower through planned demob to the nth degree” "I have had some good parties recently with some of the very few left of the old gang. Birdie is in top form as he has just produced is 2nd nipper (child)” Usual closing remarks Ends with a list of "wants", mainly "civvy" clothing as these are now worn off duty Item 7 is "One jar of pimento stuffed olives (the latest craving of an unsettled & pregnant mind)"
12/11/45	Cable to mother "No word from you except one cable. Worried. Are family well? Much love F/Lt John Harder 567 Squadron RAF
22/11/45	Letter to "mama & Famille" from Princess Mary's RAF Hospital, RAF Halton, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire Thanks for letter & cable Appears to be suffering from & receiving treatment for prostatitis. Felling more than a little frustrated to be there "because I have something very interesting to do at the moment" (not explained) Doesn't want any Christmas presents by mail as "Xmas is a bit of a dead loss by mail... I'LL know the thought is there and I hope you'll be satisfied with my thoughts as this year I can't afford to do much except think! "I hope you were all suitably impressed by our Meteor IV's performance of 606.253 last week. The ‘Shooting Star’ will never get within 20mph of this due to the compressibility troubles and low Mach number. I have flown quite a number of hours now on Meteors and like them very much. I hope to fly the ‘Shooting Star’ next week and then will be better able to judge for myself.” Usual love to all named family members including a "very, very big hug for my favourite niece, Deedee. I can't wait to see here again" "I enclose a copy of my citation (not included in documents), at least one of them, as this was not the final one. Please don't let the other boys see this as none of it is true, it's merely from years of undetected amusement and crime." Usual ending
	Undated partial letter ("I have just found this. A." typed on it in red) Still from 567 Squadron at RAF Manston "I have been having a wonderful time lately, as I am now flying jets (jet-propelled aircraft) which is a very nice way to wind up one's career, at least in Fighter Command. Shortly I am leaving to take up a new post in the testing and development branch which I think should prove very interesting. There is no news on the permanent commission as yet, as it is very doubtful just what size the permanent air force is going to be. I am beginning to feel rather strongly that it was a great mistake that the atomic bomb was ever invented. Its influence has put air force policy of all nations rather in a state of flux.” "I wish to thank you again for all you many kindnesses to me, and most of all for the very strenuous efforts you made on my behalf as regards the "gong" Thanks a million" (After discussion with my contact at the RAF Museum, we wonder whether this is a fragment of a letter to W/Cdr Bird-Wilson forwarded on by his wife (Audrey) as the language seems to be slightly more formal than others to Mother)
17/12/45	Letter to mummy & family Still not received clothes, etc requested in previous letter "My back is almost bang on... having all kinds of treatment for it... no wooden leg limp...the Doc reckons that that too is merely a question of time" Beginning to become “a bit tiresome to some of the be-striped ossifers in the service as a few of us seem to be getting into a spot of trouble now and again too often. As a result, I had preliminary warning about three weeks ago that my services would be required for Transport Command on the India-Australia run. I declined the "privilege", but it was nip and tuck for a while who could spin the biggest yearn as to why he should not go to the forsaken part of the world. "I have now bashed in for compassionate release, so I should be out in a manner of six weeks or so. The only thing that keeps my interest here at the moment is to remain until my civvie clothes are finished. After that I really couldn't care less as to where I go or what happens as long as Huco will take on a very dim and inefficient runner who has no further ambitions than this. Usual endings & looking forward to moving back into home
25/12/45	Telegram "Merry Christmas to all. Hope will be home next year. Much love. Pilot Officer John Harder RAF
29/12/45	Postcard of Dog & Duck Hotel, Stourmouth. "Hello Mother, just down at the local pub for Boxing Day, Cheers Jr"
14/2/46	Telegram to mother Arriving Queen Elizabeth Wednesday 20th. Do not, repeat not meet ship. Must go to military depot. Much Love. Johnny