3 June 1937

Dear Mother:

I got my wings long ago, but haven't got around to having a picture made. But don't be impatient. It will come along in time.

But for goodness sake don't publish it. That would be silly and egoistical.

Don't call aerobatics acrobatics. It's not done in the R.A.F.

I had a really marvellous time with Mrs. Culbertson and Bunty in London -going for boat rides on the Thames, etc. It's too bad the kids had to pay so much for their holiday.

About that holiday, I wouldn't travel anything but third on the boat if I cam back, but it certainly is expensive. Just travel and find out.

The idea of cancelling the holidays was the waste of good time entailed in training one month a year for each F.T.S. I am now senior term, of course, and am enjoying wearing the coveted wings. Reminds me of the old war time stories of receiving wings. It takes much more training, etc. now to get them.

Russel certainly didn't lose time sending his picture home. It means carting my uniform three miles to town, which I am not in the mood for at present, so forgive me.

Just received another letter from Mrs. Bamborough. John hasn't got a job yet, and will probably return. That ice box at six dollars a month for thirty months sounds expensive. Don't worry about me and dance halls. I just took another chap's sister to one dance - so ease off. I also met Earle Palmer, as I told you before.

Income tax report for this year has just come in and as I have no exceptions, I'm going to be stung plenty. Oh! for some children, insurance, gifts to charity, etc. or a wife.

I get a uniform upkeep allowance exception, but it looks like nearly all the five bob on £1 will be shot on me.

When it comes to income tax, the Englishman can take it - don't come here to live.

That was a good picture of the nurses you sent me. Don't press me to write that letter. It would look too bad.

Get some pictures of Ronny and send them along. Even Jean will have changed an enormous lot in the last year.

Love to all
Bill