As soon as I start reading, I realise Lotti can’t have got my letter yet. This isn’t in any way a reply – it’s been written without her knowing I’ve written to her. In one way, I’m disappointed. I half wonder if my letter will ever get there. I shouldn’t have been in such a hurry, and like her, I should have used a proper airmail envelope, the proper stickers and the correct value of stamps. The Germans are always so correct! But at the same time, I’m quite excited. The fact that she’s written to me, without knowing I’ve written to her, must mean she’s pretty keen on me. I feel a hot flush of excitement through my body as I start to read her words.

Bad Schandau 13.10.1938

My dear Arnold,

You will excuse my poor English.

Are you good? Did you safely back in England arrive? You must at the soonest write. In English or German, it doesn’t matter. But it is best in English because your German is not good.

We were all sad when you and your family disappeared. My parents were angry to begin with, but I think they are all right now.

Do you remember your holiday with good feelings? I hope so, anyway. And I hope I am still your girlfriend, like you say when we took the tram on the Kirnitzschtalbahn. You mean it when you said you love me, I hope it too.

What are they saying about Hitler in England? We hear they bad things say, but really you must understand that He is by all German people supported and loved. I am glad that your Prime Minister Chamberlain has understood why Germans in the Sudetenland must be part of bigger Germany.

It was very exciting since some of the soldiers in their vehicles through Bad Schandau came. We lined the streets to wave them. One of the big Sudeten towns, Tetschen, is not far from here. We have some German relations there. They tell us they much safer now they are part of the glorious Reich.

School is tried to very boring but we have a lot to do. We toys and frocks for poor children have been making. I hope some will go to the Sudetenland because we hear they by the Czechoslovaks, have not been well treated. Hopefully all will be well now.

So you must tell me all your news and about Hull. (Or should I Kingston-upon-Hull call it? I know you just said Hull. I didn’t realise such a big city it was.) You can even to me write about your football team if you want. I find football very boring but my friend Hans is interested even though he says the team in your city is not good. You can me things write and I will them to him pass. He would be interested in newspaper cuttings.

I wait for your letter, Arnold!