12 September 1936

Dear Jean:

Tell mother I was not sea sick. The crossing was fairly smooth except off the coast of Labrador. I wasn't the least bit sea sick, although half the passengers were. Some were sick on the St. Laurence, I guess because they were on a boat and didn't want to miss any of the fun.

I cashed Mother's money order without trouble and got four crisp pounds "£4."

Tell Russell Dingle to be very sure of his physical fitness before leaving.

I don't have to write a single exam because I have been going to school.

My orders are to report Reading October 12 before noon. I have to bring a dinner jacket, trousers, and hard shirt for dinners and a full-dress suit - if possible. I have no alternative about the dinner jacket. I have to be vaccinated three times during the month at my own expense.

Tell Ronny that if he is a good boy, I will give him a ride in an aeroplane. "Bull go bye bye in plane."

After getting a letter last night I felt so good I didn't fall asleep till 4:30 a.m. (reading letters over and over). A big bundle of Do's and Dont's for officers.

Don't tell any of the kids at school. They will think you are boasting.

I walked around in the rain all day like a king - up and down the Strand, around Trafalgar Square, and Piccadilly.

That last Marconigram cost me nearly $5, but I think it was worth that much to you people back in Canada.

I hope you had a good birthday. Maybe I can send you something for Christmas when I'm making four dollars a day.

Those two boys that had their pictures in the paper are still stalling around, while wee Bill has a commission and appointed to Flying School and everything and no fuss but much expense.

When the £4 arrived I had no money except 30s for the following week's board. I always forget my washing bill, pressing bill, bath - 2d, tooth paste, razor blades.

Tell Bob I read Kelloway's name in registrar at Canada House September 9. My how he must suffer travelling around.

Aunt Ida thinks she is coming over to England - if she does I can face her now like a gentleman.

I can drop in at Ross's for a week on my trip to Canada (if any).

Dad would love this city with its canes, bowler hats and striped trousers. Beautiful parks, wide shaded walks, palaces, guards.

I'll bet your newspapers are playing up the European crisis. The papers here state true facts - no build-up or verbosity. As the troops left London for Palestine the crowds cheered, bands played. The British "Tommy" is a wonderful soldier. R.A.F. machines cross across the sky like light - huge bombers just rip through the air.

Ask Bob if he can hold his breath 122 seconds. I never could before, but I found it quite easy at "Astor House."

Remember I am to be stationed at Reading - pronounced "red-ing" -(for the ignorant - notice my high class English ways). Everybody in England is very polite - real gentlemen - if they so much as touch you I am sorry -never pardon me (American).

The King Edward stamps on these envelopes are just coming out, in fact some of my earlier letters had the stamp the first hour it was issued.

Love "Bill"