24 November 1938

Dear Dad:

Bill Edwards wrote to me and says that he met you in Edmonton.

Well since 802 returned to Malta we have nearly worn our aircraft out putting in plenty of flying.

Three nights this week we have been night flying over the rock. Last night our sub flight flew for an hour in the worst weather possible, foggy and low clouds with rain.

We fly in tight formation tucked well in and no lights except dark blue bulbs behind the leader's struts which can't be seen from the ground.

(actual size O)

No horizon last night so leader had to fly by instruments. My sub flight consists of Lieutenant Nicolls, Lieutenant Campbell-Horsefall, self.

This morning we had a grand heat up above the clouds at 5,000 feet (sounds like England). C.H. had a bad land and was unfit for flying so Nicolls and I went up. We were detailed to have affiliation exercise with two Walrus flying boats of catapult units at Kalafrana.

We found them all right - eased up through clouds in formation, then broke away and took one apiece.

We have our fighters loaded with a camera gun and the flying boat has its rear and front gun similarly loaded. What a dog fight and those boats were fairly flung about the sky.

During attacks we come up within 20 feet of each other and I could thumbs up at the pilot with ease before breaking away - up and out or twist down. These dog fights with each other are of course the piece-de-resistance in our monotonous life!!

Finished after 15 minutes then came in close lifted goggles and recognized the pilot, so we can stand each other drinks next time we meet.

Everyone including self are as fit as horses these days. I wight a nice 190 pounds now - good thing we aren't flying Sopwith camels. I doubt if we could get off!

Since I started this letter, clouds have gone away leaving deep, blue sky over this gem of an isle in the Mediterranean?

Well I certainly hope you have had a good year in Alberta. I'm afraid yours will be the only hands to fly the new car.

Don't let Ronny read western stories in bed - we might have another pilot in the family.

Love Bill
Enclosed is the 41 Squadron crest for the mantle piece with suitable motto for those who aren't well wishers.