12 October 1936

Dear Mother:

Arrived here today at 10:00 a.m. - was issued flying equipment, had lunch and was in the air in the afternoon.

My instructor is Flying Officer Wilson.

You should see the fellows dressed in fur-lined coveralls with huge collars. Seat pack parachutes, leather gloves, goggles and fleece-lined high shoes. There are about 24 other flyers here. Three pupils to my instructor. Our plane is a blood red monoplane. I sit in the back seat - Boy is it windy.

Our quarters are beautiful, gravel drives, green grounds huge elm trees.

Inside we have deep leather chairs - a beautiful mess room with French windows to the floor. Imagine a fairy palace and you have it.

The equipment we have must run into hundreds of dollars - We actually look like pilots if we aren't now.

I can look down from the air and see the Thames winding like a snake and the beautiful English countryside.

There is no fooling about here but the officers' mess is certainly splendid. Tomorrow we get instruction in bombing, parachuting, photography science etc.

I am an expert in putting on my parachute. Walking with one on is awkward - it puts a great weight on your sitdown. Helmets are all brand new and fitted to individual needs.

I am in a terrible mess about suits (mess jacket) - I can't get credit because no references but I shall do my best but please stand by.

All my 16,6 per day comes in in 30 days but now I can only draw 84 shils a wk. minus 50 for mess - so I can't get anywhere and also I have precise directions to get it very snappy.

- also full dress before I reach Uxbridge.

- more later if necessary.

Real flying has started and the main thing is to solo within 10 - 14 hours or else! We will fly every good day and will get considerably more than 50 hours while here for two months.

Good bye for now
Love
Bill