12 September 1936

Dear Dad:

I received a letter last night from the Air Ministry stating "I am commanded by the Air Council to inform you that they have approved your application for a short service commission."

I am required in the first instance to undergo a course of preliminary flying training at the civil flying school at "Reading" (pronounced redding) under control of the Superintendent of Air Force Reserve and manager of "Phillips & Powis Aircraft Ltd." at Grantham for my advanced training after two weeks at Uxbridge for uniform and extra training.

I am to report at Reading Monday morning Oct. 12. I will receive 12 shillings or three dollars a day advanced on my 16/16 a day at the end of each week.

I also have to be vaccinated now at my own expense.

Orders are that a pupil pilot must be in possession of a lounge suit, sports coat, and grey flannels, fountain pen and note book.

He must have the following additional clothing:

sweater ) 1

singlets ) white for 2

shorts ) physical training 2 pairs

socks ) 2 pairs

gym shoes ) 1 pair

I have none of these, even white gym shoes, together with dinner jacket suit or full evening dress (both if possible). I am going to try to get by on a dinner jacket suit.

(I have to wear a tuxedo for dinner or supper every day).

I must pay rail fare to Reading.

(Scene at Air Ministry).

Selection Committee three elderly men all "Sir So and So"

(they run the Empire).

Sir: Is your father alive?

Bill: Yes.

Sir: Er - ah! What is his er-ah occupation?

Bill: He is manager for the Holland Binder Twine Co. for the Province of Alberta (action needed).

Sir: Approximate salary.

Bill: £1,000 a year. ($5,000.00)

(Why doesn't he say, "How's your breeding?)

Sir: What does your brother do?

Bill: He is a student in high school.

Viscount de Sports: I see you play rugby - is that fourteen players?

Bill: No. We play eleven.

Count de Mathematics: I see you have 88 percent in mathematics. Does

that include trigonometry?

Bill: Yes.

(I am then handed a card directing me to Astor House for Central Medical Board.

Eye test: 6/5, 6/5. Better than normal.

Breath held: two minutes, two seconds. Surprising what one can do when one has to.

Balance on each foot, eyes shut: not a wiggle.

Spun: not slightest bit dizzy. (What luck!)

A specialist for each test, then one who drew all over my stomach with a sharp, pencil-like affair and then drew it across the bottoms of my feet. Dug and massaged stomach muscles, tested my heart standing, lying, upside down, after exercise. Reactions tested. It looks like I am doomed to being a single-seat fighter pilot. One of the specialists said so (sort of high strung) and quick thinking.

Ten went in with me and I was the only one who went through every test - bad hearts, broken bones, etc.

I was asked where I stayed - Waterloo Hotel S.E. - frown, gentle hint to move to better section, so here I am. Incidentally, much cheaper, only thirty dollars a month.

My shoes are split at the sides and half shot - need new ones. My salary for the first year will be $1,500. Not bad for a beginner.

Instructions - must wear a hat on the street. Never wore one in my life. Keep hands out of pockets. A thousand instructions as to conduct of officer and gentlemen.

When I say I need $130.00 I mean it, and am not throwing it away. Will return any unpaid balance. Send mail to Phillips & Powis, Reading, etc.

Your loving son
Bill