The following two letters were sent from Robert Dickinson’s stepmother to Denis Crooks’ mother when the two sons were overseas during the war.

Robert’s mother—also the mother of his brothers James and William—died young. Robert’s father, Leslie Dickinson, married again—to Nellie, the author of these two touching letters.

Leslie and Nellie had a son together, Len Dickinson. Letters and cards Robert sent while in service to his little brother Len are posted elsewhere on this site.

Thanks to Denis’ daughter, Maggie Clarke, for sharing this material.

18 Westfcliffe St
Burton Rd
Lincoln
12th July, 44

Dear Mrs Crooks

Thank you so much for your letter. we are so glad to know Dennis is safe and well, we have not had a line from Bob since August 16th last year, so we think he must be at liberty and still in Italy. if we could just have a line to say he is alright, it would be such a relief. I know what good pals Dennis and Bob were, I think they shared everything, Bob was very upset when he had to leave Dennis and go to a working camp, we had the last card he sent us from Campo PG 112/14 we sent the tobacco to Italy it was sent about a fortnight before Italy surrendered, I wonder if it would follow Dennis to Germany it seems the letter did, I hope he gets it, he was always giving Bob smokes, ours to Bob didn’t get through very well, but he received all his next of kin parcels. I’ll let you know as soon as we have any news. again many thanks for writing, its very upsetting for you living where you do just now trust you will be kept safe Yours Sincerely

N. Dickinson

N. Dickinson

18 Westfcliffe St
Burton Rd
Lincoln
1.2.45.

Dear Mrs Crooks

We received a letter from the War Office yesterday to say that Bob was safe in North West Italy. we are all overjoyed, as we have had no word from him since August 16th last year. hope Dennis is well as can be expected I’m sure you will let him know the good news they were such good pals. we hope it won’t be long now before they are safe home. we trust you are keeping well pleased to say we are. kind regards

Your Sincerely
N. & L Dickinson