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Having been safely evacuated from Dunkirk my father, James Brooks, found himself aboard a troop train leaving Dover and steaming through the Kent countryside. Desperate to let my mother know he was safe, as the train slowed through Staplehurst station, he handed out a note and two shillings, with the request that a telegram should be sent to her.
A telegram dated 1st of June 1940 arrived at my mothers house - it read "Arrived England today quite safe" Jim. Amazingly the following letter arrived shortly afterwards.
Dear Sir/ Madam
From one of the Dover troop trains passing this station this afternoon, a soldier handed out the enclosed telegram, which I hope you have received safely, together with two shillings. As the telegram only cost 11d, I am enclosing the change of 10, after deducting the necessary postage.
Yours faithfully

G W Kadwell

Well I wonder if anyone in the Staplehurst area remembers G W Kadwell who was so kind and so honest?
The original note, telegram and letter are still in my possession and are very treasured mementos.
My father died on Valentines Day 1979 and my mother 22 years later, having spent the rest of their married life here in Kelvedon Hatch. Their memory lives on.

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