Help Please - This Letter Is Mostly Greek To Us!

Hello all,

We have a letter from Karachi India to Athens Greece which has fascinating postmarks including the Egyptian Censorship marks. (see scan)




greekfrnt.jpg





There is one page written in English and this is the transcription (which is as much as we can make out)

(Letter in the envelope censored from Karachi to Athens 1941 WWII -

Most of the letter is in handwritten Greek, but this page is in English)

My Dear John & Stassa

I hope you won't be too angry with me for keeping your sweet Helen, now mine, away from you. I promise to cherish her and to bring her back to you for a time as soon as I can when this War is over. I love her very dearly and will try to make up for all
she is losing through being away from you.

I look forward to meeting you all one day, soon

With love

Johnny


Love and kisses to <c'Eypia,> whom I love because Helen loves her so much,

Johnny



The letter has a return address which looks like

H C Issigonis

Mary Road ?

Karachi

Brit. India

It is addressed to

Stassa Poulockis??

<??> Metanes? 39 New Smyrna

Athens, Athinai Greece



Included with the letter were three photos (see scan attached)



and the photo on the right has information on the reverse, written in greek.

(see scan)
Is there anyone on the list who can read Greek and could help us out with the translation of the text on the back of the photo?

There are three pages of the letter written in Greek (including three lines that have been censored out ) but I doubt anyone would be prepared to translate that, particularly as it is handwritten.

However, any information about this letter would be gratefully received.


The chances of anyone recognising either one or both of the couple in the photos would, of course, be a million to one.

But.... in the words of Terry Pratchett..(my favourite author - (Ron)).

"Million-to-one chances...crop up nine times out of ten" - Terry Pratchett, Equal
Rites.

All the best to all

Eunice and Ron.

Hi Eunice and Ron,

I'm afraid I can't help much.

I guess the address is to a "I. Metaxas" street (or similar) probably named after the Greek prime minister Ioannis Metaxas who had died in early 1941.

New Smyrna, "Nea Smyrni", is a suburb in the south of Athens.

Athens street names have often been renamed and I don't known of any online references to help with this.

While I cannot help with the translation, I do congratulate you on your excellent taste in authors. Perhaps a drop of Bearhugger's Old Selected Dragon's Blood or Old Persnickety would help the translation. :-)

Eunice and Ron,

I will try my best. Some of the words or letters are not that clear.

Here goes:

Dear beloved all of you, whatever complaints you may have about me they are deserved. However, now you will see there is a reason for not writing to you earlier as you will also understand that I have been very busy. I am very fortunate (or happy) and I wish from my heart {can't make out the next two words}. I would have been twice as happy if I felt that all of you were safe. May God be with you and with all of us. Many, many kisses to all of you. Eleni (Helen?)

Since the date on the back is 1941 Greece was in he middle of WWII and being invaded first by Italy and then Germany.

Best Regards

Evan

Hi Nigelc
Thanks for that - every little helps and good to get replies.
At least I now know there is a suburb New Smyrna, "Nea Smyrni", in Athens.

Revcollector,
<< Bearhugger's Old Selected Dragon's Blood or Old Persnickety would help the
translation. :-)>>

Wow! A little strong for my delicate palate!
I think I will stick to Scumble because I know that is apples (mostly)

As an aside, on my way to badminton the other evening I was behind a car with the
number plate OOK - unfortunately I could not get close enough to see if the driver
was short and hairy and eating a banana.
I wonder if it was the M.....?

As a matter of interest, what is your favourite Pterry book?

Cheers to all
Ron

Evan - Many thanks indeed for that translation, we really appreciate it.
It seems to be very much in the vein of the English part of the letter, in the manner of expressions etc.

It is a bit of a cheek to ask, but if we sent you a scan (off list) would you be prepared to have a shot at translating the letter? Obviously no hurry. Please do not hesitate to say no if it would be too onerous. We do appreciate your help with the text on the photo.
Regards.
Ron and Eunice

I am a huge fan of the Watch and Technology novels, much less on the other series. At least you didn't want to drink Luglarr, the Big Hammer. :-)

Ron and Eunice,

I'll give it a shot. Will need some time.

Evan

Evan
That's fantastic, thank you so much.
Time is not a problem and if you can help it will be great.
Will send a scan off the board.
Regards
Ron and Eunice.