{"id":1411,"date":"2012-03-15T18:07:44","date_gmt":"2012-03-15T18:07:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/trevorgreenwood.co.uk\/tg\/?page_id=1411"},"modified":"2019-09-11T09:05:31","modified_gmt":"2019-09-11T09:05:31","slug":"letter-13-6-45","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/trevorgreenwood.co.uk\/tg\/june-1945\/letter-13-6-45\/","title":{"rendered":"Letter 13.6.45"},"content":{"rendered":"

No. 7925934. Sgt. Greenwood.
\nBritish Army Exhibition
\nBritish Army Staff
\nB.L.A. Paris<\/p>\n

13.6.45<\/p>\n

Jess Darling: I’m almost “on my knees” this evening… thanks to my anxiety to see as much of Paris as I possibly can. I spent some time ‘sight seeing’ during the day, but there were three of us, and it is not possible to do just what you want under such conditions. So I went out alone after tea and almost walked myself to a standstill. But I have enjoyed it.<\/p>\n

Paris is<\/strong> a beautiful city, Jess: I like the broad avenues, the trees and gardens, the atmosphere of gaiety, the imposing buildings – so many of them fronted by fine boulevards: and the river – I have seen some of it this evening. I walked from La Place de la Concorde over the river and along the Quai d’Orsay and down to the two islands. I mooched around Notre Dame, the Town Hall… to the Bastille square. I feel almost at home here somehow: there seem to be very few roads and ‘boulevards’ and “places” which I haven’t read about at some time or other. I have been trying to think how it is that I remember so many of these names and I think the answer lies in books… Books by Upton Sinclair, Maupassant, Sabatini, Ehrenberg, Simenon, Poe, James – and perhaps many others. It is<\/strong> nice to have this strange familiarity with a place. It makes me feel less ignorant and remote.<\/p>\n

It was my intention to write a long letter for you today, but I must ask you to forgive me, dear. I know you will understand when I tell you that I want to make the most of my stay here – particularly while the weather is so lovely. I may never have the same chance again, and as long as I can say at least something to you every day, my conscience tells me that both of us will be happy about it.<\/p>\n

Tomorrow morning, Thursday, my ‘crew’ take over officially from the other fellows, and so we start work – but it will not be very arduous. Each of us will only be on duty two days in every five – leaving three clear days for leisure. So I am looking forward to plenty of mooching. But apart from the attractions of Paris itself, there are many entertainments for troops:- several free – and others at reduced prices. Tomorrow evening, for instance, Jascha Heifetz, the violinist, is giving a free concert for troops at the Trocadero. And on Sunday Yehudi Menuhin is playing at the Opera House – a concert for charity. The prices are high… but if I can get a seat at a reasonable price, I am going to hear him.<\/p>\n

There are plenty of free cinemas, too… and theatres. In fact, it is possible to enjoy first class entertainment all day and every day practically for nothing – if you are in uniform. The ‘metro’ too (Underground) is free to troops (like the Brussels trams) so travelling is an easy matter: it saves time, too, not having to worry about tickets. There is, of course, another side to the picture. Where payment is required, prices are pretty stiff – particularly for spirits. But I’m not worried about that, because apart from attractions like Menuhin, I can be quite happy just seeing Paris – and that costs nothing – apart from energy!<\/p>\n

My principle worry here is the absence of news from you and Barry. I don’t know when your re-directed letters will reach me – but I just keep on hoping. Perhaps there will be a batch for me one of these mornings – and then I will be able to settle down beneath a tree on the Champs Elysees, and saturate myself in news about my sweetheart – and our little pie. I recall your last letter – the one in which you told me about your visit to Poynton Park with Hil. It was a beautiful story Jess, sparkling with gaiety and happiness and the laughter of little Barry. I am so looking forward to many more like it.<\/p>\n

And now to bed: I’ll bet I sleep tonight:- my legs will, anyhow.<\/p>\n

Good night, my love<\/p>\n

Always,<\/p>\n

Your Trevy.<\/p>\n

\n