27 August 1936
To Mother · 5 Crescent Place, Cartwright Gardens, WC
Cartwright Gardens
WC
Dear Mother:
I received a letter from the Air Ministry today ordering me to report before the committee at Adastral House at 12:00 noon on Thursday, September 3.
I have my room here at the Cooper Hotel paid till Saturday night.
I am moving to the above address Sunday morning. It will cost me thirty shillings a week - about $30.00 a month for bed and board. I stayed at the Cooper Hotel for the first few days as there was quite a bit of running back and forth to the Air Ministry - expenses re washing and pressing certainly run up. I have exactly £6 11s left - $32.75. I have had to pay for meals also.
It suddenly occurred to me that it takes two weeks each way - one month for a letter. So why not write now for more money. My bed and board will be paid up till September 28. I will pay in advance each week. But unless I get money towards the end of the third week, I will be stranded for washing, etc.
I do not know exactly how long it will take for red tape to be through here, but I hope it won't be long. They certainly want men here in all branches. The Air Ministry took my two letters from Tech, also my birth certificate. They seem very fine chaps and I believe I will soon be a Blimy officer.
I got over a nasty cold and feel fine now. The weather in London is the finest in years. Warm and clear. Boy! When it reaches 75o here you perspire something awful. The moisture, I guess. But it feels worse than our 85o or 90o.
Here in London you see lots of signs - Boy Wanted - etc., an amazing
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spend a week at Uncle Ross's cottage and with Aunt Adelene. Boy! They were swell and made me feel right at home. They have the swellest cottage right on Bruch Beach and invited me down.
If I get a commission I shall feel like a million dollars. "Porter, bring my bags. No hors d'oeuvres - just bring the soup." Royal York Hotel nothing special mind you!
These Limey's are exactly like us in dress except the businessman (important) carries a heavy umbrella an wears a derby - looks very smart.
By the time you get this Jean will be back at school - Grade 8. Is there going to be a Grade 9? Does Ronny still remember me? I bet he doesn't.
Wowy! but I feel a long way from home. Come up and see me sometime! What is Bob doing?
Mrs. Smith of the Cartwright Gardens told me she had just visited a really smart dress shop in Mayfair and had taken a friend along for moral support. Boy! What an inferiority complex. The London Metropolitan policeman is quite proud of his job and the way he throws his hands and arms about directing traffic you would think he owned them.
Ida believes she will come over to England next year. It will be all right if I am Pilot Officer Martyn at your service Madam! I shall at least put on a clean shirt when I go before the Board.
I hope they don't take long or else I will have to join the Navy.
Well, send all mail to
Willy Martyn
5 Crescent Place
Cartwright Gardens
WC1 (one)
London, England
Well, love to all, cheerio, a fond farewell, Blimy, you go to heck!
Weary Willy
CANADIAN MARCONI COMPANY
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THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE HAS BEEN RECEIVED "VIA MARCONI" SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS PRINTED ON THE CANADIAN MARCONI COMPANY'S BLANK FORM NO. 200 AND ON CONDITION THAT IT BE DELIVERED BY MAIL
P 240 G O KMC AUG 28 304PM 1936
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1608 13 AVE WEST
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SEND 20 DOLLARS TO 5 CRESCENT PLACE, CARTWRIGHT GARDENS, W.C.1 LONDON BY MAIL TO REACH HERE ABOUT SEPT 15
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