24 March 1937

Dear Bob:

Isn't my first attempt at aeroplane photography simply stupendous? Note pronounced forward stagger. I was climbing up at 5,000 feet when I snapped this in a Hawker Hart. P.S. minus a passenger. Please note visibility. Really a good day but shows you how horizon blanks out in England.

You get no real idea of the size of a Hawker Hart from photographs. When I stand at wing of one on ground, my shoulder just reaches leading edge of lower wing believe it or not.

I will get a picture standing in front of one to show you soon.

I got a letter from Mrs. Bamborough today from York which happens to be 120 miles from here. She wants me to visit her, but I think it would be too expensive - however if she goes to London I shall attempt to meet her. She and Joan had a good trip over but she misses the central heating.

Today all R.A.F. dromes in the area have been searching for the Duchess of Bedford, a 71-year-old flyer - she is completely lost, and as far as I care she can remain so. This is probably old news to you by now, but it disrupts our flying program and gives us too much see-sawing about the country.

We had nearly every different type of service aircraft here today, a Fairy Hendon night bomber for one - what a beauty - hefty crew on board - wireless operator navigation officer pilot mechanic gunners, etc. - terrific size - also a Gloster Gladiator single seat fighter. Radio telephony oxygen tanks and an instrument board that makes out Harts look like the old DH Moth in comparison.

Yours Bill