General Chat

I have a book relating to Tong on the Isle of Lewis (Outer Hebrides, Scotland) where RAF personnel found themselves situated during WW2. Below is a letter written by JIM HARDMAN November 1942 to the villagers of Tong. (Printed in the Stornoway Gazette). See Below

To the Village of Tong: It is rather over a year since the writer made his acquaintance with the vallage of Tong; it was a dull day, and the surrounding landscape had already taken on its late autumn drabness, the combination of the two things creating a rather cheerless first impression in my mind, but this was of very short duration for the welcome which awaited me on entering the house which was to be my lodgings (but which in reality became a "home from home") was of the warmest and most friendly nature, and this I found, as the days went by, was symbolic of the village and people of Tong. Since then a year slipped by, during which time your kindness to me has known no bounds, your doors have ever been open to me and your hospitality has had no limits. For all this and for the many other things which cannot be detailed here, I wish to express to you all, my very sincere thanks and gratitude. It would indeed be unnatural if I was not glad to have been moved to a place within reasonable reach of my own home, yet it was with very mixed feelings that I made my way throught he village for the last time, a few days ago. However, I have carried away with me many happy memories, which I shall treasure through the days ahead, not the least among them being the cheery "Hullos" of the youngsters as I used to pass to and fro. It is my earnest hope that I may have an opportunity when the present world upheavel has subsided, of returning to Tong for a holiday, and renewing the many friendships which have been formed during 1942. Until such time, GOOD LUCK, GOD SPEED, and au revoir to you all. Yours etc, JIM HARDMAN, November 1942

Hi Judith, I don't have any Hardmans in my tree. my connection is with the village of Tong. I did a surname search and there are quite a few J Hardmans on this site. Posted on all three threads so someone might see it. Hopefully they will see your post as well. Pam :-)