3 January 1937

Dear Mother:

Ross sent me an English quid (1£ to you). It arrived on my birthday. I still don't know how he came to have one. It was really welcome. I only get 11s10 a day now, but of course there is more tossed in so to speak, so I am a lot better off. Please go easy on sending my letters away - I might be interested in reading them again someday. The way they changed Kings over here, you wouldn't think anything had happened - the good, staunch, old Englishmen.

This idea of dressing for dinner or supper each night keeps one hustling. We have to get up here at an ungodly hour in the morning. Breakfast at 7:00 a.m. if you please - I think I will tender my resignation.

That picture of Jean showing me coming down in a parachute smoking a Sweet Caporal (cool as a cucumber) is good and caused a great hit here.

These stiff shirts and collars stand up about two evenings, so I have to have quite a few. I am beginning to find out the cost of upkeep on clothes. Our sports or physical training equipment must be kept spotlessly while the batman, poor fellow, has to whiten one's running shoes every night.

The idea of Dad;s about always looking like you are going places when walking outside is carried out here. When even walking into Uxbridge Station after being to a show, or at anytime, we must walk briskly, hat and gloves on. Woe betide us if Senior Officers catch us strolling along. We can lounge around the Mess Room or in quarters, but not outside. It certainly adds to the snap and efficiency of the Station, I can assure you.

The customs duty on the scarf wasn't bad - 2/6 - that's the reason I didn't send gifts from here. It's nice to hear that Dad is so helpful about the place. Again I say, those pyjamas you made me are just about "it." If you knew the size, I should say "another, please James."

I have to buy a very accurate wrist watch for flying at Grantham. I hope I can afford it. Strange as it may seem, my $1 watch went for many a flight with me. It stood the changes of altitude and ocean trip wonderfully. By the way, Canada is farthest away by mail. A letter can get to Australia by air mail in eight days, while a letter here from Canada is seventeen days. I am afraid I am beginning to lose my Canadian accent (I hope you don't mind). I also notice that my sentences are getting shorter and more crisp - it must be my military training.

Jan. 3

Today we were issued with our new flying equipment. It is wonderful stuff - guaranteed to keep one alive at over 2,000 ft.

This idea of the dear batman saying "half past six, Mr. Martyn" is disconcerting to say the least. I am just about broken in now. The idea of drill on my feet all day was rather hard at first - especially on the back, but I'm all right now.

Russell Dingle was removed to hospital at Halton for tonsillitis. He will get his tonsils taken out (official).

We were issued with plenty of Air Force manuals yesterday dealing with fighting formation flying - how to use oxygen tanks at altitude, etc. - how to attack two seaters, etc. - very interesting.

Our uniforms arrive Monday morning and then we parade like a woman's fashion show - twisting and turning in front of Group Captain to see if we pass his judgment. Tailors have to be on spot to change anything and make alterations.

This Sidcot suit and flying shoes would be just the thing for Dad when travelling in the winter time - he could really stay warm.

The Sidcot consists of two complete overalls. The inside one is of fur only and the outside one of heavy, waterproof duck (necessary slightly in this country), a high fur collar comes around head and neck.

Tell Bob I have noticed Sonia Pratt is over here - he probably knows her. She wrote me a letter.

I saw Jack R. Beirnes' name registered at Canada House in London today. He is a friend of Aunt Ida's. She has written about him to me. His permanent address was given as Edmonton. I have written letters thanking Aunt Ida and Uncle Ross for presents.

What with this new flying equipment, gloves (three pairs), high boots, sidcot, etc. I shall need three men an a boy to move it around.

The sooner January 9 rolls around the better. This course at Uxbridge is all right, but we miss the good old flying. The course at F.T.S. is mainly aerobatics and formation flying on advanced types - and has Britain the stuff? - Oh Boy! - lead me to them.

Canada is all right, but London today was perfect. Really mild - slight rain, but we ignore that - crowds, brilliant lights and those window displays - boy! You can spend hours walking the streets - especially in the West End around Picadilly and Leicester Square.

I am now officially Church of England. There are no United Churches in England - so I fell in with the masses - I didn't feel like sticking to my guns - neither did quite a few others. The Group Captain in charge might think you were Christian Scientists or something. It makes it much easier in Church parades. Others not C. of E. were called out in front of ranks to G.C. and made to feel quite ill at ease in front of us while they were questioned. During worship at flag-raising in morning, Jews and R.C.s get a separate command to fall out and go to the back of the parade so as not to participate in Protestant prayers.

A Squadron Leader (pastor) called on me here in officers' quarters and said he preached at Archdeacon Swanson's church last Christmas in Calgary. He knew Parkers - school teachers and a few others I know. He has been all around the world twice - quite an interesting chap. I was afraid he would ask me when I was confirmed, etc. - but he didn't.

The only way we can tell high rank is by number and thickness of rings on the sleeves.

You are walking along and come near an officer - start counting rings - 1, 2, 3, 4, (Wing Commander) - wow! do you jump to salute. The discipline here is terrifically strict and not the slightest bit of slackness is passed unrewarded I can tell you. It's all right if taken in the right spirit, but it has wrought a great change and rather dampened the ardour of several of our rapid fire friends.

Did I tell you there was no percolated coffee in England? Coffee is always served real black, or half milk and half coffee.

This is enough letter for now.

Love to the whole family
Bill