18 October 1937
To Mother · Officers Mess, 41 Fighter Squadron
41 Fighter Squadron
Dear Mother:
Nothing definite yet but I'll be along barring acts of God etc. We are having an AOC down from Group to look over our planes tomorrow so a lot of spit and polish is being expended. All our machines except mine are gleaming in their nickel plating etc. - mine is all shadow painted - it looks like the Scourge of the Baskervilles compared with the rest but my crew is jubilant as it does not need polishing like the others. There are a lot of lovely brass fittings in the cockpit which I have been polishing - they give such a satisfactory shine that I wanted to go back to the mess and shine all the brass door knobs.
We also have been practising our march past etc. with full brass band plug bag pipes - I believe my squadron 41 fighter has much more swagger than good old 26 army coop but that's probably only my own idea. There is a certain satisfaction in not having to tote a rifle - those FTS days are over but we know enough about it to know how an airman should carry his - they are thorough in Britain I can tell you. The marching is superb - every arm and leg moving in perfect unison which no colonial regiment could ever attempt. It is another lovely day today. I am beginning to enjoy this climate. My crew consists of AC1 Rooke and AC1 Wilkins, Flight Rigger and Flight Mechanic respectively.
(AC1 = Aircraftsman 1st class)
Tanks - non com run AC2
AC1
LAC (Leading)
Corporal
Sgt.
Flight Sgt.
Warrant Officer
I am writing all the steam ship companies trying to get the most reasonable and reliable trip home - woe to me if I overstayed my leave. Thanks again for the Saturday Herald papers - they are very enjoyable - I get a great kick out of them.
Have you ever seen the picture show Three Smart Girls - I have seen it twice since I have been in England and would see it a third time. I saw Stuart Erwin last night in Country Bumpkin which was also very good - you probably saw it years ago. He acted the part of a human adding machine, thus - 4375 x 281 divided by 399. Elmer, what's the answer? 288 2/3 says Elmer without looking up from his book.
Love Bill