May 24, 1944 4:00PM (Wednesday)

Dear Dad,

      I was thrilled to get your letter of April 30 and to know that business is holding on OK.  You will never guess who I ran into over in the lounge last evening - Les Archambeau.  He arrived over here two weeks ago and is an interpreter in the RCAF with the rank of Flying Officer.
      I was certainly glad to see him.  I spotted him over in one corner of the lounge but couldn't believe that it was Leo.  So when he got up to go for a beer I asked one of the chaps was that Archambeau and he said yes.  The chap I asked turned out to be Bill Allison of GEIC (?) and he has been to see you in the past.  So it's a small world isn't it?  Bill is now an observer with the rank of P/O.
      Leo was just on his way over to the mess to eat so I waited and he came back later.  We visited all evening until 11:00 PM over a few beers.  Then I whipped over to my quarters and got some rye and we had a grand time.  Both Leo and Bill send you their best regards.  Leo left this morning to join a squadron so it was lucky that I ran into him last night.  He didn't know me of course and was swept right off his feet when I told him who I was.
      I got some more mail to-day - latest was Bett's of May 9th where Mom wrote a note at the end.  I am anxious to hear about Eileen.  I do hope it's a girl.  So sorry to hear about my Peter.  I sure hope the fall hasn't spoiled his good looks.  Give him a kiss and a squeeze for me.
     How is Gram Melvin?  Tell her that I was asking for her and that I was sorry to hear about her illness.  For goodness sake see that little Mel doesn't get the flu or anything.  Does he still look like his Uncle Dave?
      I'll be glad when the food arrives.  We get so hungry at bed time and there's no place to buy anything at that hour.  Oh yes, and don't let Mom or Eileen write anything about the steaks, roasts and delicacies that they have for meals as it is not easy to read that sort of stuff and do nothing about it.  I can dream about that enough without any encouragement, ha!
      Joe Longo's address is:

Sgt. Joe Longo R1679802
#6 EFTS
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

      It was darn nice of him to send you that card.  I must write his folks soon.  Oh yes - Joe has nothing on me as it looks like I'm going to be an instructor at an AF U so dear(?) knows when I'll see operations.  I don't mind tho' as long as I get flying.  I sure would hate to have to learn all over again. I might even be instructing on twin engines - will keep you posted on as much as I am allowed to.  Tell Bett not to write over the creases as when I open the Air Mail letters I miss a word or two off each line.

    Tell Bett she said she sent me British Consol Cigarettes.  Try and make them Buckingham, Philip Morris or Winchester.  Of course, I'll smoke anything, ha!  Still have over 500 so can hold out for a while.  I sure hope I see Poke before he goes.  Didn't know he was going until Bett's letter came.  Hope you had a good visit with Lou and that she got a good rest.  My mail is taking a long time to come thru.  Darned if I can figure it out - will just hope for improvements.  Well, guess that's all for now.  Write again soon Pop.

Love to all,

Son

PS - Hi Gramp - got your dollar, will keep it for good luck
      - Got Bett's letters 3, 4 and 5; Eileens of May 2nd; Mothers of April 27; Aunt Bessie's card; Gramps dollar and Bett's card.