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| Archive Reference / Library Class No. | D6287/5/11 |
| Title | Letters from Kevin Jean-Marie Donovan (1931-2008) to his mother, Marcelle Félicie Caudrillier (d 1974) |
| Date | Oct 1941-Dec 1941 |
| Description | Weekly letters written from a boarding school in Sussex, giving news of events including a football match, a journey to London for a music examination and a confirmation service. The letters include thanks for items received and requests for pocket money, clothing tokens and toothpaste. The writer signs his letters with a nickname, and the name Donovan has been added in pencil to the top of each letter |
| Extent | 7 items |
| Level | File |
| Repository | Derbyshire Record Office |
| Sender | "Kee" [Kevin Jean-Marie Donovan] |
| Sender Location | Salesian School (St Joseph's), Burwash, Sussex |
| Recipient | [Marcelle Felicie Donovan, nee Caudrillier] |
| Archive Creator | Swanwick Family of Whittington |
| Mrs Margery Eleanor Swanwick, nee Norton (c1880-1959) |
| Administrative History | Although the author of the letters signs his letters with a nickname, comparison with an obituary available on line allows the writer and recipient to be identified.
Kevin Jean-Marie Donovan was born in 1931 at Montrécourt-par-Saulzoir in northern France. His father, Denis John Donovan died when Kevin was only ten months old. His mother, Marcelle Félicie Caudrillier, subsequently settled in England. She lived in Kent and died in 1974. Kevin Donovan became a Jesuit priest; he died in 2008. |
| Administrative History Sources | See www.beaumont-union.co.uk/pdfs/Summer%20Review-2014.pdf or Obituary of Kevin Donovan |
| Format | Document |
| Language | French |
| Copies | Digital copies of these items are available to consult via the public computers at the record office. |
| Term | Association football |
| Transcript or Index | Translations
D6287/5/11/1
19-10-'41
Dear Mother
Thank you for your nice letter. I am very well here. Half-term starts on Saturday the first of November and finishes on the third of November. If you wish to come to see me I think you must write to Brother Rector for him to say when you should come. Archbishop Amigo came last Thursday and gave the Sacrament of Confirmation to twenty boys. The ceremony was very lovely. Before he left he gave us time off. I hope you will be able to continue your ARP free of raids. I've received a parcel from aunt Bobe. She has sent me my father's geometry things, my stamp book and some stamps.
Here are my most loving kisses.
Kee xxx xx xxx
D6287/5/11/2
26/10/'41
Dear Mother
Thank you for your nice letter which I received yesterday morning. As you said, I like having my father's geometry box. Here too it's started to feel cold in the mornings and evenings. Last week it rained once or twice. In the "Grade IV (1936)" book I've started the second page of Haydn's "Minuet". It's hard. All being well I hope to see Mrs Bennett next Friday. Could you send me six coupons for a blazer because I've been asked if I would like one and I've said yes. Soon I will have no toothpaste left.
Love and kisses
Your Kee-ree-bee, xxx xxx xxxxxxxxx
D6287/5/11/3
4-11-'41
Dear Mother,
Thank you for the nice letter and the tuck whIch you gave to Mrs Bennett for me. The jam is very good. As I believe you know I was first in my class. We had snow on Wednesday and last Monday. The days are starting to be very cold. Last Monday I played football on the top pitch. Also I've worn my new black and red socks.
Love and kisses
Your Kee-nee-bee xxxxxxxxxx
D6287/5/11/4
9-11-1941
Dear Mother,
Thank you for your nice letter. I am taking my malt and cod liver oil well. On Monday evening there were games in the classrooms. I really loved them. Last Wednesday there was a football match. It was "Fisher" against "More." I liked it because "More" won. We have been for two walks at half-term. We also found some nuts. The TSF [wireless] has been put in a classrom and we have been able to listen to it.
Affectionate hugs
Your Kee-ree-bee
XXXXXXXXXX
D6287/5/11/5
16-11-'41
Dear Mother
Thank you for your nice letter and the good parcel. The gloves are very good. I think I remember Miss Vian. Brother Guillaume, the brother who gives me piano lessons has said my exam will be on the second of December. For a joke, I think, he said that one Sir Archibald , or one Sir Sebastian or one Sir Horace would be my examiner. Last Wednesday we went a beautiful walk. I enjoyed it very much. We went across Kiplings Wood. I have received a letter from John Rawlinson and I will write to him this week. Please send me a bit of money.
Lots of love and kisses.
Your Kee-ree-bee XXXX XXXXXXXXXX
D6287/5/11/6
23/11/'41
Dear Mother
Thank you very much for your letter and the 5/- We are still able to have tuck here. I have finished my cod liver oil and my malt. At school every class is giving some money for the Masses which will be offered for the dead who are in Purgatory. I served one of the Masses for which class three gave some money and I offered it for my father. I am starting to think about the holidays. Do you think I would be able to come back to Beckenham? Very affectionate hugs
Your Kee-ree-bee
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
D6287/5/11/7
8··12··41
Dear Mother
Thank you for your short letter which I received yesterday. I have also received a small parcel sent by aunt Bobe. She has sent me a letter, several stamps and some sweets. I see Leslie Bennett and he always seems happy and sends you his good wishes. My examiner was Sir Percy C Buck. He was very kind. John Tahny [?], called John "Little", Brother Rector and Matron drove me. I was at the building of the Theosophical Society. We had tea at Binns, the cafe, and I was given a treat. If I am going to return do I need to take my trunk or my small case because we have only three weeks for the holidays? Very affectionate kisses
Your Kee-ree-bee
X XX X XXX X |