9 March 1938
To Dad · R.A.F. Catterick
Dear Dad:
Just finished a rugger game with Signals which we unfortunately lost - what!
The weather is still nice and warm.
Our squadron's annual reunion dinner is next month. A real posh affair in London with tails being worn. Costs plenty and is held at a very exclusive hotel in London. All old war time ex-officers there.
The A.O.C. and a few of his staff are dropping in tomorrow to look us over. These boys are always around and cause a lot of spit and polish. The squadron is at a high pitch of efficiency and takes second place to none in the Fighter Command. We are unique in being the only Squadron in the R.A.F. to be equipped with Super Furies and will be the first squadron to get the Supermarine Spitfire (the fastest military fighter in the world). Martlesham Heathe test pilots get the first two and we get the next batch.
The C.O. has been down to Supermarine works for a special course on them - not flying but learning all the technical details. Quite a lot of the new Hurricane fighters are out now and must cause consternation to foreign powers with their 400 + performance.
I hear that Calgary is to get a permanent fighter squadron and an auxiliary this summer. I hope they get decent stuff and not Siskins as the new Electra Air Mail machines will stick their thumbs up as they hurtle by Canada's defence forces.
I hope the $90 and $25 were not too late in arriving - anyway you can't spend it till it arrives. However the prospects for a crop this year? I hope you make a real good year.
It was very nice of S. Neelands to see me in Regina.
I enclose a picture of Kelly's two-year-old son - (slightly damaged in transit).
Love
Bill