Letters Home

In this episode, we read a letter about Bruce’s admiration for Scotland. We talk about a murder in a nearby town and we also read a letter from another special someone– Bruce’s former football coach.

In January 1944, Bruce lost quite a few members of his original crew, and in this episode we tell their story and learned what happened to them. We also read Bruce’s description of his room, we learn about the Lowell Rotarians, and we talk about the latest Fred MacMurray film and a rumor about deadly orange crates.

Happy new year, it's 1944! Bruce rings in '44 with a party. He also mentions several nieces and nephews in various letters, and we learn about another mission to Kiel.

Original music by Roger MacNaughton

The Letters Home team are sad to share to the listeners that Bruce's daughter, Susan McMahon Teunis, passed away on March 26, 2025 at the age of 75. We were lucky to have Susan read one of Bruce's letters in Episode 4 so we can hear her voice whenever we want. We share this clip today as the family lays her to rest.

Susan Teunis 1949-2025: https://obits.mlive.com/us/obituaries/grandrapids/name/susan-teunis-obituary?id=58009813

It's our Season 2 finale-- the last episode of 1943! Bruce writes about his Christmas and New Year's Eve plans, as well as the Allies' plans for 1944. We finish this impactful year with a letter from a special someone.

Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

In this episode we read letters that feature several mentions of Bruce's coal stove, as well as a story about a mishap on the London Underground. We hear about his friend Major Odle and welcome a special guest-- Bruce's granddaughter Megan Summerfield.

Featuring Megan Summerfield. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

In this episode, Bruce spends another Thanksgiving away from Lowell, he flies three missions, and reminisces about his flying days before the war. We also jump ahead in time to read a letter Bruce wrote in 1984 about his war memories.

Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

This episode goes into details about two of Bruce's missions-- another tragic mission to Bremen and a successful bombing of Knaben, Norway. We also read a descriptive letter about his dinner at a local tavern and we welcome a special guest-- executive director of the Lowell Historical Museum Lisa Plank!

Special guest Lisa Plank. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

In this episode, we learn about orderlies at Thurleigh, what raids in London were like, and whether or not Bruce was a cat person when he is joined by his new pet cat "Wings." Also-- Lotta and Frank learn about Bruce's bombardier Norm's disappearance.

Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

In this episode, we read Bruce's description of a night on the town in Piccadilly Square (or Circus, if you want to get Limey about it) during a blackout. We also learn about a mission to Wilhelmshaven and Bruce reveals he was promoted to Captain.

Original music by Roger MacNaughton.