Comments on: New friends in wartime, an ocean apart

By: Jessica

Jessica — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:01:52 +0000

I am happy to hear that Neil shared the article with you all. It has been a real treat for Leona to get in touch with him and learn more about his father. What a great testament to Ms. Norton that you eventually followed in her footsteps. It sounds as if you all have a close-knit community there in Carbrooke and I’m glad that this extends to the USAAF servicemen as well. For all of the horrors that war can bring, it is great to see something positive come from it. Thanks so much for commenting!

By: Jan Godfrey

Jan Godfrey — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 19:52:00 +0000

Neil Laws has shared the information about Carbrooke school with the Carbrooke History and Heritage Facebook page. I was one of the children at the school – a little younger than Freddie Laws, Marlene Thompson and Mary Dunnett – they were my sister’s age. On the photograph I an the little girl standing on the right in a pinafore with my head down – I was very shy then. Mary Norton was an inspirational teacher and I became a teacher myself – eventually Neil was one of my pupils and this exchange has put us in touch again. Isn’t it a wonderful world! My husband Ken and I were born and have always lived in the village and we have developed a friendship with the USAAF servicemen who were stationed here, representing them here and attending their reunions in the States.
I recall the dolls Leona and her friends sent and I am so pleased she is still alive and remembers too.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:13:43 +0000

I was so pleased to read your comment, Mr. Laws! It is a lot of fun for us here when we see people making personal connections with the records at the Library of Virginia. I’m sorry to hear that your father has already passed, but am gratified to provide a glimpse into his childhood for you and your family to enjoy. I will pass your comment on to Leona — I’m sure she will be delighted as well!

By: Neil laws

Neil laws — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:56:03 +0000

Hi,
I have just discovered this most amazing story or the friendship between Leona and carbrooke school children.
I was thrilled to find the letter to leona from my father, Fred laws, then aged 11. It was wonderful to read the letter that he wrote, and almost made me cry! Sadly my father passed away 13 years ago, but my mother and sisters will be thrilled when I show them this. Many many thanks,
Neil Laws