RAF Station
SNITTERFIELD
Dear Mother,
To-day is my day-off again so I hope to whip thru’ a pile of letters. Your last letter was written July 15 and I received it a week ago yesterday -- have gotten no mail since then except 3 presses which I have read over and over again -- am anxious to see the one with my own picture in it.
Last night Andy & and cycled to a dance some miles from here and there I met a chap named MacDonald whom I have not seen since I.T.S. We sure had a lot to talk over. He’s touring gliders now + I went to his camp + spent the night + got a flip in a glider to-day. It’s not quite as exciting as a real airplane but the novelty of it was swell.
I’ll be leaving this station on Tuesday for a few days to study some advance flying + then come back here again. It will be a nice break so I’m looking forward to it.
Ask Dad to keep me informed now + again re my bank account + if the $30.00 does not come thru’ every month let me know so I can look into the matter. I have already saved up enough to put that $100.00 back but will not do so until after my leave. My new uniform has not arrived yet -- why I don’t know. I am in dire need of it right now. Got a letter from R.L. Slater yesterday. It’s too bad that I had not written to him sooner as he was up this way for a short time + could have dropped in to see me. I doubt if I shall see him on leave though as I think I’ll be going north to Scotland or over to Ireland -- haven’t decided as yet.
I wrote Ritchie another letter + still have not heard from him. Ah yes John Carr still has his commission. I saw him some time ago + in his P/O’s uniform
Have they had any news re Earl Empey? I do hope everything turns out OK. I have every reason to believe so. Tell Pearl not to give up hope.
Did I tell you that in a sports day on the station I entered in the broad jump + won first prize? -- about $1.50 -- not bad, eh?
How are the bedroom scenes progressing in at 225 Gilmour? I keep thinking that I should have been there to see my share, ha! Oh, by the way, you might send some cigars in the next box -- just make sure that they are extra extra fresh as they dry out in about a month. I have enough Postum, Cleenex, sugar + cheese for at least two months but send some soda biscuits, jam (wonderful stuff Mom), chocolate bars, chocolates, cigarettes, chewing gum, peanut butter + nuts anytime you feel like it. As yet I have not received either MacLeans’ or Digest magazines but they’ll probably be a while getting started. I see where old Wes Hamilton kicked the bucket. Old Sab (?) will get another slice I suppose. Well, am running out of paper -- will write again from where I’m going but still use the above address. Good-bye for now.
Oceans of love,
Son
PS - Have photos of both my nephews in that leather holder I got for Xmas + on my dresser -- Peter’s is the one sitting in the chair
- Wrote a letter to the Rennicks June 27
- Send my other watch over as soon as it is fixed. I’ll keep this one for stepping out - DM
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Thursday, January 31, 2013
June 26, 1944 (Monday)
RAF Station
SNITTERFIELD
Hello Dad,
Received your second letter on Saturday along with seven other letters including Mother’s nos. 16 and 17, Jeans of June 10, Betty’s no. 8, Eileens of June 7, one from Mr. Vaughn Jack (his second, nice eh?) and a reply from Geo Corry -- but none from RL yet. George is waiting now and it will be impossible for me to see him -- he can’t even tell me where he is stationed. Oh yes, I also received the pictures from Bett and they are priceless. They fit into my wallet OK too.
I still cannot believe the news about Bud. It has mad me sit back and think as I never did before. I wrote Mrs. Ultman an ordinary mail letter Sat. I would liked to have cabled but no facilities on the station -- have to go to Leamington for that.
Have you received word RE Earl Empey? Perhaps our boys will pick him up along the way -- that’s being done you know. Winchester is sort of getting the dirty end of the stick about now isn’t it?
Mom, I’m glad you caught on RE Helen Ellis -- be sure and remember the Douglas’ too. I must write to them again soon. It is harder for me to keep up my correspondence now that I’m flying again, as at night I feel too much like resting. I’ll keep writing home tho’ at any cost.
It pleased me to know that I was the first chap to entertain Fred in London. Of course he didn’t tell me that. I’ll be dropping in on him again in six weeks time I hope. How is Gramp Rennick? I am a bit worried about that cold. You tell them both to keep in good shape till we all get back. My next letter home will be to the Rennicks - OK? I should have written to them ages ago but I know that they understand. It looks like Hazel Jackson has beat Aunt Bess this time. Boy that 20 grand of his (Ernie’s) would come in handy, ha! I have a painting to sent to Grandma R. as soon as I find wrapping paper etc.
Business sure has been holding its own, eh Dad? Vaughn Jack was very much impressed with the state of affairs. Did I tell you that I also got a swell letter from Mr. Curvan (?). I have written to them both but now must write Mr Jack again. Oh yes, have mother send me Mary Ultman’s address in Kitchener and also Bill and Alga’s. Guess that’s all for now -- glad you had a good fishing trip Pop. Have a good time with the Hutchinsons. Love to all,
Son
SNITTERFIELD
Hello Dad,
Received your second letter on Saturday along with seven other letters including Mother’s nos. 16 and 17, Jeans of June 10, Betty’s no. 8, Eileens of June 7, one from Mr. Vaughn Jack (his second, nice eh?) and a reply from Geo Corry -- but none from RL yet. George is waiting now and it will be impossible for me to see him -- he can’t even tell me where he is stationed. Oh yes, I also received the pictures from Bett and they are priceless. They fit into my wallet OK too.
I still cannot believe the news about Bud. It has mad me sit back and think as I never did before. I wrote Mrs. Ultman an ordinary mail letter Sat. I would liked to have cabled but no facilities on the station -- have to go to Leamington for that.
Have you received word RE Earl Empey? Perhaps our boys will pick him up along the way -- that’s being done you know. Winchester is sort of getting the dirty end of the stick about now isn’t it?
Mom, I’m glad you caught on RE Helen Ellis -- be sure and remember the Douglas’ too. I must write to them again soon. It is harder for me to keep up my correspondence now that I’m flying again, as at night I feel too much like resting. I’ll keep writing home tho’ at any cost.
It pleased me to know that I was the first chap to entertain Fred in London. Of course he didn’t tell me that. I’ll be dropping in on him again in six weeks time I hope. How is Gramp Rennick? I am a bit worried about that cold. You tell them both to keep in good shape till we all get back. My next letter home will be to the Rennicks - OK? I should have written to them ages ago but I know that they understand. It looks like Hazel Jackson has beat Aunt Bess this time. Boy that 20 grand of his (Ernie’s) would come in handy, ha! I have a painting to sent to Grandma R. as soon as I find wrapping paper etc.
Business sure has been holding its own, eh Dad? Vaughn Jack was very much impressed with the state of affairs. Did I tell you that I also got a swell letter from Mr. Curvan (?). I have written to them both but now must write Mr Jack again. Oh yes, have mother send me Mary Ultman’s address in Kitchener and also Bill and Alga’s. Guess that’s all for now -- glad you had a good fishing trip Pop. Have a good time with the Hutchinsons. Love to all,
Son
June 22, 1944 (Thursday)
RAF Station
SNITTERFIELD
Hello Mom,
Have sort of slipped this week - rammin’ around too much at nights I guess - but having fun anyway. It feels good to be flying again and to know that I haven’t lost the touch. Had a little difficulty with that extra engine at first but now it’s a cinch. Poor Andy came taxying along the other day and pulled his wheels up by mistake and is now gone to Sheffield to take a discip. course -- sort of a punishment I guess. It means that we’re split up now and I’m a bit browned off about it -- as is he.
The day before yesterday was a wonderful day - two more boxes of chocolates - Melvin’s and Gradma M’s and cigarettes from Mevlin V. and Gord and Eileen. Tell Spagett to stick to Winchester, Buckingham or Phillip Morris. I just can’t smoke Sweet Caps but traded them for some P.M.s with another chap. So this time everything worked out hunkey-dorey. Thanks everybody -- letters following! Has Mel J caught a fish yet? -- Also Jean and Hugh? Ha! Got the parcel with scissors on June 18 so now my toe-nails are cut.
Oh yes -- don’t rob yourselves of rye by sending it to me -- I can see where you’re not going to have any to spare at 13 oz per month. The casual bottle is plenty - now I’m serious about this - I’ve gotten to like the beer over here so don’t go around with my tongue hanging out.
Haven’t gotten any mail for 4 or 5 days except the parcels - and they came at a very good time - no sweet rations this month so far and my cigs were down to about a hundred -- now up to 700, oh boy!
Last night we went to the village ball in Snitterfield and did we have a time - we six Canadians ran everything - more or less put some life into the party. I’ve not shagged like that since I was in High School -- you might almost call it jitter-bugging. Well, must close now Mom - Will write again Sun. Hello to all the men in the shop. Did Louis get my letter? Scads of love,
Son
SNITTERFIELD
Hello Mom,
Have sort of slipped this week - rammin’ around too much at nights I guess - but having fun anyway. It feels good to be flying again and to know that I haven’t lost the touch. Had a little difficulty with that extra engine at first but now it’s a cinch. Poor Andy came taxying along the other day and pulled his wheels up by mistake and is now gone to Sheffield to take a discip. course -- sort of a punishment I guess. It means that we’re split up now and I’m a bit browned off about it -- as is he.
The day before yesterday was a wonderful day - two more boxes of chocolates - Melvin’s and Gradma M’s and cigarettes from Mevlin V. and Gord and Eileen. Tell Spagett to stick to Winchester, Buckingham or Phillip Morris. I just can’t smoke Sweet Caps but traded them for some P.M.s with another chap. So this time everything worked out hunkey-dorey. Thanks everybody -- letters following! Has Mel J caught a fish yet? -- Also Jean and Hugh? Ha! Got the parcel with scissors on June 18 so now my toe-nails are cut.
Oh yes -- don’t rob yourselves of rye by sending it to me -- I can see where you’re not going to have any to spare at 13 oz per month. The casual bottle is plenty - now I’m serious about this - I’ve gotten to like the beer over here so don’t go around with my tongue hanging out.
Haven’t gotten any mail for 4 or 5 days except the parcels - and they came at a very good time - no sweet rations this month so far and my cigs were down to about a hundred -- now up to 700, oh boy!
Last night we went to the village ball in Snitterfield and did we have a time - we six Canadians ran everything - more or less put some life into the party. I’ve not shagged like that since I was in High School -- you might almost call it jitter-bugging. Well, must close now Mom - Will write again Sun. Hello to all the men in the shop. Did Louis get my letter? Scads of love,
Son
June 17, 1944 (Saturday)
SNITTERFIELD
Have just come back from my day off to find seven letters waiting for me -- not bad eh what? Your Air Mail from June 4 was included. Boy, you don’t know the thrill it is to get a bundle of mail. No Press as yet nor cigarettes (except those in Mom’s parcel with my wallet).
I am real proud of the wallet and it’s exactly what I wanted. I have shown that 1944 Canadian nickel to every Canadian I have run into. I hope to be getting cigs before too long as English cigs are horrible. Still have enough Winchesters for a couple of weeks tho! (and they’re still fresh!)
This afternoon I ran into Lionel Coleman in Leamington. He and Sonny are stationed just ten miles from me so I’ll see them on my next day off. Sonny was flying so couldn’t get into town with Coleman -- also ran into a Queen’s man last night - Newt Williamson - he was in my year. He’s at OTU now. Sonny is having some trouble with air sickness. Guess those long trips don’t agree with him.I’ll write both R.L. and George Corry (?) to-nite. Perhaps I can see them in my next leave which should be in seven more weeks. I’ll try and see Razor too. Got a nice long letter from Bobby and Melvin too. Bobby says it’s still OK for me to give her tummy a couple of taps, ha!
I picked up a little gift for Grandma R. to-day -- a little late but couldn’t be helped. Also got a cute card for Nancy Jane and a book for Peter. I hope to get Johnny Smith something next time. Haven’t received my new uniform yet and do I ever need it. This one is filthy and I can’t send it to the cleaners until I have a substitute as battledress cannot be worn in the mess after 5 PM.How about a snap of Harold Lannin’s (?) new house when it’s finished. I’ll bet it will be a pip. Will be looking forward to getting Maclean’s Magazine. You couldn’t have picked a better one. Tell Gam (?) she can send Reader’s Digest -- would sure appreciate it. Ah yes, send me Bill and Alga’s address -- also John Challies’ if possible. Glad to hear of Sam’s promotion -- mine should be coming through any day now. I hope Poke Fader turns out OK but do you think he’ll be able to stay awake? Ha!
Poor Phyllis will sure experience plenty -- only hope she’s far behind the lines. You sure did things up right that Wed PM in Ottawa -- how I miss the night clubs! Hope my mail to you is coming thru’ now -- I’ve written an awful lot. Tell Audrey Locke to send me over a steak dinner form the Rosedale. It wouldn’t last long if I ever got my hands on it. Glad you are getting a cottage. You can have my quota of beer for that month. Boy how I’d like to hear my nephew curse -- he gets that from both sides of the house if you ask me, ha! Must go now. Keep writing all of you. Oceans of love,
Brother.
PS - Am listening to Ellington's "Do Nothing till You Hear From Me." -- It's super!
- Let this do for my Sunday letter home
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
June 16, 1944 (Friday)
RAF Station
SNITTERFIELD
Hello Mother,
I only have a few minutes before parade but must let you know that the box of soap, salmon and cleanex came yesterday and the Smiles and Chuckles sent from the factory April 26 and your box of soda biscuits, jam, cigarettes etc sent April 25 came to-day. Thanks ever for everything. Not one single thing was out of order and the chocolate bars were lovely and fresh.
Ah yes, don’t send any more Lifeboy soap or any tooth-paste. I just cannot use Lifeboy remember? And I use Dr. Lyons Toothpowder and have enough to last for at least six months. Boy we’re going to have a real feast as soon as we can scrounge enough chinaware and silverware. We also must pinch some coal from somewhere for our cook stove.
There is a sports meet this afternoon on the station but Andy and I both have foot trouble and are excused so we might bike into Leamington. I want to find Grandma R something if possible. My soft corn is cutting up again so I don’t walk anymore than necessary.
Haven’t received any letters for a few days but still keep looking. I wish I were flying Harvards again but guess those days are gone forever. One throttle is plenty for me but I guess I’ll have to re-assimilate myself.
Must go now, thanks again for the parcels. Oceans of love,
Son
SNITTERFIELD
Hello Mother,
 |
| RCAF Harvard |
I only have a few minutes before parade but must let you know that the box of soap, salmon and cleanex came yesterday and the Smiles and Chuckles sent from the factory April 26 and your box of soda biscuits, jam, cigarettes etc sent April 25 came to-day. Thanks ever for everything. Not one single thing was out of order and the chocolate bars were lovely and fresh.
Ah yes, don’t send any more Lifeboy soap or any tooth-paste. I just cannot use Lifeboy remember? And I use Dr. Lyons Toothpowder and have enough to last for at least six months. Boy we’re going to have a real feast as soon as we can scrounge enough chinaware and silverware. We also must pinch some coal from somewhere for our cook stove.
There is a sports meet this afternoon on the station but Andy and I both have foot trouble and are excused so we might bike into Leamington. I want to find Grandma R something if possible. My soft corn is cutting up again so I don’t walk anymore than necessary.
Haven’t received any letters for a few days but still keep looking. I wish I were flying Harvards again but guess those days are gone forever. One throttle is plenty for me but I guess I’ll have to re-assimilate myself.
Must go now, thanks again for the parcels. Oceans of love,
Son
June 11, 1944 (Sunday)
RAF Station
SNITTERFIELD
Hello Dad,
How are things? By the looks of things you should be still convalescing from the fishing expedition, ha. No doubt I’m sure that you would appreciate the fun the most.
Not much has happened since I last wrote to Mother. Yesterday was our day off so three of us wheeled into another new town. You know where Phil Fader is Mayor - well this was in England instead. It’s a pretty town and plenty to do there. We got lost on the way back and didn’t get to bed until 3 AM. You should have seen us all sleep through lectures to-day -- really grim.
I’m glad to know that Tom has struck a good spot to live. When I read about their nightly performance thru’ the window next door I almost split my sides. I only wish I could have seen it myself -- ahem!
Jean let me in on the profit for the month of April -- I wouldn’t mind making a fraction of it but the Air Force just isn’t the place for capitalizing. At least we can save a little though.
I received word today that my new uniform is finished so I’ll send them a cheque for it to-morrow. It’s costing me approx. $70.00 so it should be good. Now I must start saving to put it back into my account in Canada.
Do you know if Bud and Ed Annable are in the invasion -- keep me posted on that, eh? Also I haven’t seen a Press since I left. Can you do anything about it? Oh yes, send my other watch over as soon as it is repaired so I’ll have a spare in case this one stops. I hardly think it will tho’ as it keeps perfect time. Tell John I appreciate him getting it for me so quickly -- real service. Well Pops, guess that’s all for now. Received a letter from Velma - got a big kick out of it - will answer this week.
Cheerio till Wed. Love to all,
Son
PS - Use this address:
P/O Melvin DR
J 3995 9
RAF Station
SNITTERFIELD, ENG
SNITTERFIELD
Hello Dad,
How are things? By the looks of things you should be still convalescing from the fishing expedition, ha. No doubt I’m sure that you would appreciate the fun the most.
Not much has happened since I last wrote to Mother. Yesterday was our day off so three of us wheeled into another new town. You know where Phil Fader is Mayor - well this was in England instead. It’s a pretty town and plenty to do there. We got lost on the way back and didn’t get to bed until 3 AM. You should have seen us all sleep through lectures to-day -- really grim.
I’m glad to know that Tom has struck a good spot to live. When I read about their nightly performance thru’ the window next door I almost split my sides. I only wish I could have seen it myself -- ahem!
Jean let me in on the profit for the month of April -- I wouldn’t mind making a fraction of it but the Air Force just isn’t the place for capitalizing. At least we can save a little though.
I received word today that my new uniform is finished so I’ll send them a cheque for it to-morrow. It’s costing me approx. $70.00 so it should be good. Now I must start saving to put it back into my account in Canada.
Do you know if Bud and Ed Annable are in the invasion -- keep me posted on that, eh? Also I haven’t seen a Press since I left. Can you do anything about it? Oh yes, send my other watch over as soon as it is repaired so I’ll have a spare in case this one stops. I hardly think it will tho’ as it keeps perfect time. Tell John I appreciate him getting it for me so quickly -- real service. Well Pops, guess that’s all for now. Received a letter from Velma - got a big kick out of it - will answer this week.
Cheerio till Wed. Love to all,
Son
PS - Use this address:
P/O Melvin DR
J 3995 9
RAF Station
SNITTERFIELD, ENG
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
June 6, 1944 (Tuesday) D Day
RAF Station
SNITTERFIELD
Dear Mother,
Last week’s letter was very brief but I wrote it and mailed it in about 10 seconds flat. I was on the move about then. My new station is a real set up. The fellows on course with me are swell heads and I have made a particular chum of a guy named Andy Anderson from Toronto. We seem to like the same things etc and before we knew it we were chums.
With a bit of luck I should be flying again within a week. The aircraft will be quite a change for me but I think I’ll be able to manage it. At present all we have is ground school. We just brush up on what we learned months ago.
I was terribly sorry to hear about Carl Empey(?). You might tell Pearl that she can keep hoping for the best. I can’t tell you anymore than that but I know for a fact that there are going to be a lot of unexpectidly happy mothers when this is all over -- and I don’t think we’ll be waiting long.
The invasion has created quite a stir over here. Looks like they’re making headway too. It’ll be months and months before I’ll be on that far so you needn’t worry my dear.
Glad to hear the old business is making a neat profit Pop. Just wait until we’re all back in it. Things will really be booming then.
To-day was red letter day again -- latest was Bett’s of May 19 which arrived in England June 2 and got to me June 6, also got Eileen’s of May 10; Jean’s of May 13; Tom of May 16; Mothers of 13 and 16; Jack Pat of 15 and John Smith’s of May 15 and one from Vaugh(?) Jack.
I was more than thrilled to hear about Nancy Jane -- in fact, greatly relieved, ha! I’ll pick up a card for her in Birmingham his week end. I wrote Tom(?) an ordinary letter yesterday and tell her to read it in private as I let her in on some of the English ways of living which are fairly crude -- excuse me Mom Dear.
Well, I guess that’s all for now -- will try and pick up a present for Grandma R in Birmingham -- better late than never. Ah yes, that news RE Louis Bouchard was sort of a shock. Give Mrs. Bouchard my sympathy. Louis was a darn swell man. Will close for now until Sunday. I guess it’s Pop’s turn for the next letter, eh? Bye for now. Oceans of love to all,
Son
PS - In case my little note hasn’t yet arrived, my new address is:
P/O Melvin DR
J 3995 9
RAF Station
SNITTERFIELD, ENG
SNITTERFIELD
Dear Mother,
Last week’s letter was very brief but I wrote it and mailed it in about 10 seconds flat. I was on the move about then. My new station is a real set up. The fellows on course with me are swell heads and I have made a particular chum of a guy named Andy Anderson from Toronto. We seem to like the same things etc and before we knew it we were chums.
 |
| Juno Beach |
I was terribly sorry to hear about Carl Empey(?). You might tell Pearl that she can keep hoping for the best. I can’t tell you anymore than that but I know for a fact that there are going to be a lot of unexpectidly happy mothers when this is all over -- and I don’t think we’ll be waiting long.
The invasion has created quite a stir over here. Looks like they’re making headway too. It’ll be months and months before I’ll be on that far so you needn’t worry my dear.
Glad to hear the old business is making a neat profit Pop. Just wait until we’re all back in it. Things will really be booming then.
| Grand Casino - Birmingham |
I was more than thrilled to hear about Nancy Jane -- in fact, greatly relieved, ha! I’ll pick up a card for her in Birmingham his week end. I wrote Tom(?) an ordinary letter yesterday and tell her to read it in private as I let her in on some of the English ways of living which are fairly crude -- excuse me Mom Dear.
Well, I guess that’s all for now -- will try and pick up a present for Grandma R in Birmingham -- better late than never. Ah yes, that news RE Louis Bouchard was sort of a shock. Give Mrs. Bouchard my sympathy. Louis was a darn swell man. Will close for now until Sunday. I guess it’s Pop’s turn for the next letter, eh? Bye for now. Oceans of love to all,
Son
PS - In case my little note hasn’t yet arrived, my new address is:
P/O Melvin DR
J 3995 9
RAF Station
SNITTERFIELD, ENG
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