Readers' Letter: They've never forgotten our Tommies

IN the bitter aftermath of war, the British "Tommy" showed kindness to the mainly German speaking children of the village of Toblach-Dobiaco in Italy in the winters of 1945 and 1946. Many local people, now in their 60s, remember this with gratitude. British Tommies billeted in the Grand Hotel shared their meagre rations, making it virtually the first Christmas the children had known. The hotel was restored this year, and being the first British visitor, I triggered the memory of those difficult days. The former children of Toblach-Dobiaco, led by Werner Petrick, want to repay the Tommies' generosity and would be delighted to hear from those stationed in the hotel during those times. If any readers were "ex-guests" of the Grand Hotel and would like to revisit, contact Werner Petrick, Center Haus, Kirk Platz, Toblach-Dobiaco, South Tirol, Italy 39034. You will be warmly received.

Dr Colin Pritchard, Southampton

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