17 November 1938

Dear Mother:

I haven't been over punctual with my letters due to "exigencies of the service" as they say in King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions.

Ronny must be quite a handful by now and Jean of course is far more interested in parties than school, which is quite all right as it will probably be the happiest period of her life - see that she enjoys it. She is till the baby girl of the family, but she's grown up now and should be able to enjoy herself at parties, dances, etc.

I haven't had a letter from Bob for some time, but I hope to get a letter soon. Raining today, even in this sunny isle of Malta. Oh! for some fresh milk - only stuff we get is powdered milk or pasteurized goat milk - ugh! I dream of those nights we broached a quart of Union and downed it by the glass.

Showed a party of Maltese school children over our machines today and was nearly surprised by some of the more technical questions from 12 year-olds! They insisted upon taking my picture with kids and two priests who are on the staff beside me (No man is an honour in his own country!!)Too bad I can't show my own family around.

Whenever you hear of the Mediterranean Fleet on the move, we're in on it as we supply the aircraft for fleet duties.

It's amazing the interest I take in aeroplane instruments, oil pressure etc. when I'm flying along above sea and only a dot on the horizon for an aerodrome!

Listening to some very good music from Budapest. All Europe is about the size of the States and so Budapest, Berlin, Rome tune in like KSL Salt Lake or KOA Denver. With short and medium waves, radio is as good during the day as night.

All good American numbers are played in Europe with respective languages.

We have a very good cinema on the camp - on a par with Cinema which is one about four times a week including Sunday so I go often - charge 1-3 a night or about thirty cents.

I hear quite often from the boys in 41 at Catterick.

I'll bet you see a lot of R.C.A.F. in Calgary. I hope they don't lower the moral tone of the city too much!!

How is Max getting along - lucky dog to have that B.A. and get commission in Canada. Tell Jean I want a long letter from her.

Love Bill