South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 11 April 1942

Grateful Mother

Soldier’s News of Her Son

A message sent home by a Wombwell soldier to the effect that a “pal” from Goldthorpe had just recovered from injuries due to gunshot wounds, has brought a letter of appreciation from the “pals” parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson, of 20, Market Street, Goldthorpe.

Last week we reported that Pte. Samuel Dyson (23), son of Mr. and Mrs. William Dyson, of 3, Gower Street, Wombwell, had written to say that his friend, Pte. Ernest Hutchinson, of the above address, had been in the same hospital but was now back at “work.”

To Pte. Dyson’s mother, Mrs. Hutchinson writes: “Having seen the photo of your son in the ‘Times’ we are glad to know he has recovered; also of him giving you the news of Ernest as we were anxiously awaiting a letter from him. I received a cable on January 19th telling us he had received letters and parcel. He also said safe and well, don’t worry. Who could not worry in these anxious times! As soon as I opened the paper I recognised your son, as I have a photograph of him with my son on. He looks a grand lad, Ernest has described him to us. I know you will miss him, as he looks full of fun like our boy. Thank him for us when you write to him. I trust they will both come through safe and well and that we shall have the pleasure of meeting them again.

Thanking you for putting it in the papers. It has enlightened us a little. I hope we shall have a letter soon.”

Mrs. Dyson said that the friendship with Pte. Hutchinson of Goldthorpe had been one of her son’s happiest experiences of the war. They had come through a lot together and seemed to think the world of each other.

Mrs. Dyson said she intended to visit Mr. and Mrs Hutchinson at the first opportunity,.