2 November 1937

Dear Mother:

I am orderly officer today - Please not I always write letters when I am orderly officer - more leisure so to speak.

Well I have heard no word from Group as yet so don't know if my leave has been granted.

I had a letter today from Tony Robinson from Devon. His Squadron 213(F) is at present at Armament Camp. He just received a letter from his brother Allan. He certainly enjoyed his visit in Calgary.

He seemed quite tickled that Dad came 200 miles down to see him. Dad evidentially asked him to decipher some of my letters, such as the meaning of drogue, slow rolls etc. Can I help it if I forget that you are not technically trained in the aeronautical vocabulary.

If at any time I do not make myself explicit just shoot me a line. Naturally we talk glibly of AOC's etc. which probably means nothing to you.

Yesterday evening we (officers) had a lecture from Col X from the War Office on political conditions throughout the world which certainly opened my eyes - very interesting.

I told you about Thomson's visit from Church Fenton the other day I believe so shall not bore you on that topic.

Its certainly great hearing from your old pals from the Fighter Flight at Wittering.

Pickering, another Canadian on our Senior Team at Wittering lost his life the other night in an Anson and a chap there at present had to jump after a collision but he got away all right.

If I can go home through New York just as reasonably I think I shall visit that good old metropolis.

Allan Robinson enjoyed Banff, Mounties and cowboys very much. He caught tonsillitis and is not feeling so well at present. He is in the Georgia Hotel at Vancouver. By now he will have sailed for Melbourne. His father is a quite well-to-do chocolate manufacturer in Australia. Both brothers have visited the Orient on a former trip so they know their way around.

You can see by our class picture what a fine chap Tony is.

I notice that Jean thinks that Tommy Darling is some good looker -he's from Belleville, Ontario and flies huge night bombers (sometimes in the day).

I received a very good, long letter from Bob the other day. Tell him to keep up the bon fait. Gore Blimey! Just too too divine!

Winter is beginning to set in with real English fog and wet and damp. One actually needs a few beers occasionally to pull through!

Well write soon and let me know how things are going.

I heard a gentleman broadcasting from Toronto over the CBC on Sunday about political conditions in Canada. He spent the whole time comparing Hepburn in Ontario and Aberhart in Alberta. Very interesting -no doubt you heard it too.

Love Bill
41(F) Squadron
ROYAL AIR FORCE,
CATTERICK,
YORKS.
TELEPHONE,
OLD CATTERICK 53.