The letters show many common themes that the writers wanted to express to Hope.
Praise, Gratitude, and Goodwill
The overwhelming feeling behind the letters is gratitude towards Hope, for “breaking the silence.” They thank and praise her for her efforts and wish her well for Paul’s safe return:
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- “Bravo! Well done. Keep up the good work.”
- “Thank you for taking the trouble of behalf of others. I hope you hear from your husband soon and that you will hear from your husband soon and that you will soon be reunited.”
- Thank you for the little flame of hope you have lit.”
Worry, Anxiety, and Depression
By November 1944, when Hope began her campaign, it had been two and a half years since the capture of the prisoners. There had been almost no news. At a time of “stiff upper lip,” the letters show an intensity of emotion rarely seen. Some writers even admit to being ill with depression whilst others use words which express their anxiety and sadness. It is clear that they saw Hope as a fellow sufferer and the act of writing to her encouraged them to release their worries:
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- “I have shed many a thousand tears and spent many sleepless nights wondering if he had plenty to eat and was in good health.”
- “My mother’s hair is turning white and she cries for hours, and we worry so much over his wife as she is losing weight daily, she only draws the scales at 6 stone . . . I’m afraid she won’t be here to see him if he is ever lucky enough to come back.”
- “There is a terrible agony of mind and affects [sic] on one’s health, some days I feel it is almost impossible to go on. It is only the terrible longing to see my boy again that helps me hang on.”
Anger at the Government
Many letters express anger at the lack of information coming from the Government and frequently vent their anger at the Secretary for War, Sir James Grigg. Their criticisms increased after the Daily Mail headline: “She Defies War Office Secrecy.” They framed the campaign with Hope as the underdog whistle-blower:
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- “My heartiest congratulations on your defiance of the War Minister and his clique at the War Office.”
- “I think the Government has been very shabby . . . I know your husband will be proud of you.”
- “It was obvious that conditions at the camp were being withheld or interviews would have been published.”
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