27 September 1938

Dear Dad:

Tomorrow we are (802) disembarking to Tekkaila aerodrome. Very welcome indeed although we have to live in tents and will probably be eaten alive by insects. Plenty of sand shifts too when the wind blows, so I can picture a lot of it sifting between my pyjamas and back.

It's only for ten days, but I shall enjoy evenings under the palms. All sand here and the palms are really there with the pyramids and sphinx's thrown in.

The harbour here is very big, and the Mediterranean Fleet is here. We keep two destroyers off the breakwater patrolling for any submarines that might have strayed from home.

We have picture shows on the quarter deck once and week and of course see the occasional one in Alexandria.

We are hardly ever cool on board as the long upper deck (flying) absorbs a great deal if not all the heat of the sun and radiates it straight down.

The Admiral has his flagship H.M.S. Warspite anchored along us here. Sir Dudley Pound I bet.

Keep writing often. Very nice break for me to read letters from home and I certainly enjoy yours.

There is so much to tell you that I tell you practically nothing. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

I ought to absorb enough of the sun's invigorating rays to do for all the family at 1608 this winter - nothing like it for the winter months. They registered 167o in the sun at Cairo, but only about 87 o in the shade. It's really the humidity that gives the heat in the tropics.

A Raymaster Lieutenant-Commander here in Glorious has a Canadian