May 28 1944 (Sunday)

RAF Station
SNITTERFIELD

Dear Mother,

    The week sure has gone by in a hurry.  However nothing exceptionally exciting has happened since my letter to Dad on the 24th.  Believe it or not I’ll be flying again very soon only about half an hour or so from Mr McRae so will do my best to look him up my first day off.  I hope it all comes back to me as I’d hate to have to learn all over again.
    The Eighth is really going places in Italy, isn’t it?  I do hope that our boys survive.  Haven’t heard from Poke yet so he must be on his way.  I am sorry I missed him.  It looks like everyone will be seeing real action before me.  I doubt very much if I’ll experience any of it over here.  I’ve got a heap of training yet to do.

British Eighth Army

    The weather is just like summer again over on this side of the pond.  We had a week of nasty weather and did I ever catch a cold.  But the last two days of solid sunshine have made me a new man again.
    Yesterday was red letter day again but it’s all written before May 9.  I don’t understand why my mail isn’t coming through faster.  It certainly should by now.  By the way, did you receive the flowers and cable on Mother’s day?  I sent it 10 days ahead.  Also another cable for May 25th.  From what I hear, Pop “came across” with a healthy sum for your birthday ha!  Well, I think you deserve it all my dear.  I sure would like to see the new dress.  I heard it was a knock-out.
    Everyone is out for a walk right now but me.  My poor dogs just won’t take any more.  I’ll buy a bike this week or next when I get settled.  I got my suit back from the cleaners yesterday so went to town last night -- had a date with an Irish red-head.  So I told her all about my famous grandfather. Ah yes, send me a snapshot of Gramp and his  silk hat.  I’ve got a snap of Gram (taken with me) but none of the other half, ha!
    Sonny is at OTU now and all crewed up.  His pilot is a chap that was on Security Guard in Toronto with Sonny and me.  He’s a real swell guy.
    I’m anxiously waiting for news about my oldest sister.  I do hope that everything is OK by now and that Peter didn’t get too lonesome.  After this is all over Mom I think Dad had better take you on a holiday -- and no fooling.  You both need a rest and change of environment -- too bad I can’t go too, I’d sure like to get my hands behind the old steering wheel again.
    Well I must close and write to Sonny and Lorne.  Will continue this Wed or Thurs on an Air Mail.  Till then, oceans of love

Son

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.

May 16, 1944 (Tuesday)

Hello Mom,

     Yesterday was the big day -- the 1st mail arrived and I receive 20 letters.  If you could have seen how happy we all were you'd send 10 letters a day.  I'll try and answer the urgent questions here and write another letter in ordinary mail.  My watch came last Saturday and it's a beauty.  Thanks a million: just take the cash out of my account.  I'm saving already to make up for it.  The last 2 letters were yours and Dad's written April 30th.  I spent all afternoon reading letters -- the best afternoon since I arrived, ha!
      Say Mom, who's store burned in Umsburg(?)?  I couldn't make it out.  I suppose you had a grand visit with Uncle Carl and Quentin.  Quentin will have to look me up as we are not allowed to travel any great distances over here except while on leave.  I sure would like to see him.  Glad Marion is pulling thru' all right.  They sure have their troubles.
      I'd sure like to see my mother in her new togo.  It's so hard for women over here to get nice clothes any more so consider yourselves darn lucky.  Later on I'll send home for a suit and civilian shirts but not till I get out of here.  Or maybe I'll buy a sports jacket over here instead.  What do you suggest?
       The laundry service over here isn't too bad -- 7 to 10 days.  But the dry cleaning situation is a bit awkward.  I'll be glad when I get my new uniform as I am having a tough time making one dress uniform do me.  I haven't received your cable yet Mom -- it must still be at my 1st station.
       John Carr came in last week but I didn't see him until this AM.  He's galavantin' (sic) all the time.  He'll be on OP's a long time before me by the looks of things.  I seem to be potential reserve with emphasis on the potential.  I bought a cheap bill fold which will do until you send me one -- only cost me 8 shillings ($1.71).  Send me a pair of scissors like the ones we lost that Sat. afternoon in Lachine.  My toe nails are getting quite long, ha!  Also that food idea thru' Morgans sounds awfully wonderful.  And how I could polish off a chicken about now!!  Send more vita-tablets and lighter fluid too -- have still enough cigarettes for a couple of weeks.  Haven't got Gram M's box of candy yet but am sure looking forward to getting it.  Thank her a thousand times for me.
        Oh yes, congratulate Velma for me.  I'm really proud of her.  It must be the Sharpe in her eh Gram? Ha!  Tell Eileen that the letters written last Nov haven't caught up with me yet.  Also let me know how my mail to you is coming there.  I'm all mixed up in my numbering so will let this be letter no. 5.  I'm only numbering those that go to No 5 St Lawrence Street -- get it? Ha!

       Did you not get the post card That I sent from N.B.?  I can't recall meeting anyone in N.B. from Hodge Auto Parts -- try and find out what his name is.  I got a big bang out of Peter biting Helen E. Poo.(?) God she takes an awful beating.  Will be looking for the pictures of little Melvin.  Try and get one of Peter and him together.  Just wait until Mel is old enough to pick at Bob's nose and he'll have an awful time.  I suppose Bett's called Powerful Katrinka now ha!
      Has Win Gray come up to stay with Jemmy?  It's about time.  How come the women beat the 100 club?  Or was there just too much to drink? Ha!  Has Fern Workman bought the Hughs' house?  That'll be some walk for Fern every day.
     Am anxious to see Eileen's house with the new screen and blinds.  Gordon sure is a handy man isn't he?  I was thrilled to hear about Dick.  I must sent him a cable. Mother was it Ted or Bill Lamonte that's missing?  I knew Ted when I was in Winnipeg.  Poor Archie will sure go to pieces.  Got a letter from Laura -- will have to write her today if I can.  You can send boxes, food etc to same address as it won't change ever -- we are not allowed to give you any more particulars.  Had a big laugh over Bettie Wilson -- took a lot of years of peddling didn't it? Ha!  Got Jean's and your Easter cards -- nice of Joe Longo eh?  Must close now.  Will write again soon.

Oceans of love,

Son

May 8, 1944 (Monday)

Dear Bett,

      Here I am back in camp -- and what a hole!  It wouldn't be too bad if we were occupied at least some of the time.  But no! Just another Lachine but worse.
       My leave was really wonderful though.  I phoned Phil the afternoon of the 28th and it was well I did.  You see I had planned on going straight thru' to Edinburgh and seeing her on the way back but that would have been too late.
     By the time I reached her I was well worn out.  First I travelled on the underground for 1/2 hour then on the train and then walked 2 miles.
      On my way thru' the station where my bags were checked I picked up a mickey.  As I wasn't wearing a raincoat, I couldn't transport anything larger, ha!
      It must have been 5:00 PM before I contacted her and my last bus into town was at 8:15 PM so we only had a short visit. But it was wonderful.

Trafalgar Square

      As there were no bars in the town open we just sat down in the lobby of a hotel and mixed our Scotch with water.  After we polished it off we stepped into the dinning room and had another ale - then dinner.
       Believe you me, we talked blue murder.  Phil got all the news from home and got the "gen" (?) on the boys over here.
       Bud had just been to see her 3 weeks previous and Poke just before that.  She also told me where George E was stationed which came in handy.
       Well, we were still gabbing away when the bus pulled up so we beat it out in a hurry.  I almost forgot to pay the bill, ha! Phil saw me off on the bus and I headed back for London.  I had a room at the Grosvenor Court Hotel not far from Trafalgar Sq.  The price taught me never to stay at a hotel in London again -- about $4.50 (in our money) for a bare room -- not even a towel in it.
        I left for Edinburgh then, Fri noon and arrived 11 PM.  The train was terribly crowded and I stood up over 1/2 the way.  I would have been better off with a 3rd class ticket instead of a 1st but that's the way it goes.

Innerleithen - c. 1953

        Fri PM I was booked in an officers' club which was quite nice and not too expensive.  Sat AM I contacted the Douglas's at Innerleithen by telephone.  Mr. Douglas answered the telephone and what a real Scotch accent he had!  I pretended I couldn't hear him for the noise on the street and it went over like a charm.
        They invited me out for as long as I could stay but as my time was limited I could only stay from Sat aft - Sun aft.
        You can tell Gram R that she has some very fine relations on this side and believe you me, there's nobody like a Scotchman (sic).  They couldn't haven been nicer to me and have hearts as big as mountains.  While I was there we had steak, some of Bess' Canadian canned chicken, lots of fresh eggs, sugar, butter etc and they shined my shoes at night and wanted me to have breakfast in bed.  Now can you beat that?
        Mrs. Morrison is a grand old lady too.  She was ever so glad to see me.  I'd say she's about 75 and as spry as they come.  I was hoping to see Lorne there, but no such luck.  He hadn't been down for some time.  Apparently he's undergoing intensive training but not far from there.

Post Card - c. 1944

        I stayed in Edinburgh Sun PM at the same club and left for Darlington the next day.  Razor and I went up to see Mac Browse (?) there and had quite a chat with him.  Then Geo and I went looking for a room to drink up a 25 of Kingsplate but no such luck.  So we just sat in a pub and poured it into beer.  By 10 PM he was as white as a sheet and most likely I was too.  I saw him off on his train and then missed my own so sat in the station for an hour or so; then the RTO got me a room.  We had a wonderful reunion and a lot of fun.  I left the next day at noon for London.
        For that reason, I was a day late arriving back in London thus missing Hank.  I tried to contact him the previous Thurs but he was not at his office.  Had I known he was going back I would have postponed my trip to Scotland.  Besides, he could have taken my watch back for me.
       As soon as I arrived in London I phoned Fred Cass.  He took me to one of his clubs for luncheon - quite a ritzy joint - and then I invited him up to where I was staying for dinner.  I saw a show in the afternoon while Fred was at work.
        For the 3rd time I had a real old chin-whack about that famous little town in the Ottawa valley.  Then I called Helen Ellis and went out to see her on Thurs.  I spent the afternoon and evening with her and our tongues never stopped -- especially Helen's, ha!  She has the sweetest kids in England  The one twin, Vallery, was in the hospital recovering from a run-over by a bus, so I didn't see her.  But if she's like the other two girls she's a darling.

RCAF Battle Dress

        Incidentally I didn't forget to take out the stockings Mother and I also brought along all the chocolate bars I had for the children.  Helen has certainly had her times with the blitz and rationings and also with Vallery's accident.  But she has been a real brick through it all and never complains.
       I would suggest that you send Mary some cigarettes and they would be greatly appreciated.  Don't send them to Helen as she would probably not get them.  The children would also appreciate some chocolates or something.
       Friday afternoon I went downtown and ordered a new uniform.  It should be a really nice one. I'm getting pleats in the trousers and a real drape model.  I had the bank transfer $100 from my account in Winchester to my account over her as I want to pay cash for it.  I hope to get into London this week-end to have my first fitting.
       Well, Bett, I think I have done very well, don't you?  This is the longest letter I have ever written.  I won't be getting any mail yet for another week so they tell us.  What the hold-up is makes me wonder.  I hope my watch gets here soon -- I'm shipping my old one home to-day.
       Guess that's all for this time.  Am expecting about 100 letters when our mail catches up to us.  Hope my oldest sister is doing well and it's got to be a girl!  Give my two nephews lots of hugs and kisses for me.  Oceans of love,

Brother

PS - Helen didn't have Mary's address so I'll send it as soon as I get it.
     - Did you know Ritchie has his commission? Fred saw him in his new uniform and says he looks great.

April 21, 1944 (Friday)

Hello Mom,

      Haven't much news as I'm still doing nothing.  Just thought you'd be looking for a letter.  I sure hope that my mail to you is coming through better than yours is to me.  As I told you before, I got 20 letters one day and 1 then next.  The last was written May 1st (Laura's and yours and Dad's written April 30). I'll give you a list of all mail received so far from home:
      Air Mails: Mother - 7; Eileen - 2; Bett - 2; Laura - 1; Dad - 1; Tom - 1; and Jean - 3. Also two Easter cards, yours and Jeans.  Oh yes and the watch.  I should be getting in another batch quite soon.
      Yesterday afternoon I went to the dog races again and had a lot of fun besides making another pound on the day's betting.  I always pick dogs that pay great odds so that if I lost it's very little and if I win it's really something.  They were auctioning off some famous bitches there yesterday and getting as high as 80 - 90 pounds ($400-$450) - not bad is it?  One chap said that before the war the same dogs would sell for 5 - 10 pounds.  The two cities near here are very nice but really overcrowded with Yanks.  The more we see of the Yanks, the less we think of them.  They are anything but a good representation of the people of USA - especially all the ones we know.

de Havilland Mosquito

      I should be receiving some word from Poki any day now.  He's going to try and get up to see me.  We are not able to travel by train from here so I'm sort of isolated for a while.  I would like to have a few hours off to dash in to London to get a fitting on my uniform but it looks hopeless.  As my other uniform has been at the cleaners (10 day service), I've been wearing battle dress all week long.
      The weather sure has taken a turn for the worse - damp and cold.  BI natter how many clothes I put on going to bed I wake up about 6AM frozen stiff.  Have a miserable sore throat but it seems to be loosening up now.  You can start sending food any day now - include a pound or so of peanut butter and also strawberry jam, and some good old Maxwell House coffee.  I eat all they give me over here and am still hungry - especially at bed time.  The food is darn good but the helpings are skimpy some times.  Don't forget to look into the Morgan situation too - boy what I wouldn't do with a chicken right now.
      I have just been over to see Eric Smith and Johnny Conlin - they're going out on Mosquitoes in a couple of days.  I would sure like to be going with them but no use in hoping.
      Also had dinner with John Carr the other day.  I believe he's on leave right now.  We visited for a couple of hours or so.  Well I must close as I've run out of news - will write again in the middle of the week.  Keep them all writing Mom - including Pop.  Say hello to the Rennicks for me.  I'll write them a good long letter one of these days.  Bye for now.

Oceans of Love,

Son

PS - We have a little stove in the hut and a tea kettle but are running short of tea and coffee.

No Date (Postmarked May 16, 1944)

Dear Dad,
        
        My leave is just about over. By this time to-morrow I'll be back in camp making time just as I have been since last November.  Things don't seem to be moving very fast.
        Before I forget, the purpose in writing at this particular time is to tell you that I am having $100.00 transferred from my account at home to the one over here.  You see I have purchased a new suit which will run between $70.00 to $80.00 and I want to pay cash for it.  When I have saved up that much money I'll have it transferred back.

        Well, Dad, it's been a wonderful leave.  I have had a lot of luck in seeing people from home.  The only one whom I missed by only a day was Hank.  He's on his way home again.
        I'll be writing Bett a detailed account of my holidays so will just mention here who I saw - Phil, George E, Fred Cass, Helen Ellis and Grandmother R's relations in Scotland.
        I missed Lorne by 35 miles and Ritchie by 2 days.  I hope to see Ritch, Poke, Sam and maybe Bud from my new station.
        Well Pop, how's things? Is the gas and oil end holding its own still?  Give my best to Percy, How, Ches, A.P., and all the boys.  As soon as we're allowed to send postcards I'll remember them all.
        Oh yes, I won't be sending my watch home until the beginning of next week.  I have a box for it now and will insure it etc.  I won't be receiving mail of any sort - not even the letters Eileen wrote way last Nov. for about a week yet.  So don't wonder why I'm not answering any of your letters.
        I'm staying at the Air Officers Club in London.  The rates are about 1/3 of that of a hotel and the accommodations are a thousand times better.  I'll close for now.  Betty's letter will be coming by regular mail due to the size of it.  Will be expecting a long letter from you - also another watch which I urgently need - will be thinking of Mom this Sunday.  Cheers and oceans of love,

Son

PS - Save all the letters I write and I'll not have to keep a diary - OK?
      - Mom, did you get my Cable and Flowers for Mother's Day?

April 21, 1944 (Friday)

Dear Dad,

        Sorry for the slight delay in writing but have been extremely busy.  We had a smooth trip all the way and the train ride down here was simply gorgeous.  Never in my life have I seen such a beautiful country.  Words just can't describe it.  I used to think that Fred Cass (?) and Phil were exagerrating a bit on the grandness of the English countryside but I take it all back.
        The weather has been simply marvelous since we landed and everything is in bloom.  Even the grass is the prettiest colour of green I have seen.  No fooling, Pop, you must set aside a few hundred smackers and take a trip to England with Mom after the war.
        I have decided to go to Scotland on my leave just to see the country.  Then I'm coming back down to London and looking up as many as I can from home.  We get a free traveling warrant to go any place in England or Scotland while on leave so I might just as well use it.  I hope to see George E. on the way up.
        We have wonderful quarters here and the meals are better than they were at (?Lachone?).  Most of the boys I know are in the same hotel with me so we have a lot of fun.  It reminds me a lot of where you and Mom, Les and hattie (?) spent the week with me last year; only our rooms are a bit nicer.
        So far the only one I have caught up with is Archie and he's been plastered every night so I don't bother with him.  Sonny and Lionel left some time ago.  The beer here is wonderful stuff. I even passed thru' the town where Bass Ale is made - that's something, isn't it?
        I have tried of the the brands and am sold on Worthington myself ahem!  The pubs are open mostly all the time which makes it very handy.  I don't know of anything else I need besides what I mentioned in my first letter unless it is soap. Don't send a bottle in a loaf of bread as I hear they weigh the loaves now - nor soap until I run out as we can buy soap here.
        Last night one of the guys came back with some fresh eggs from the country so we had a feast at midnight.  It was as much a novelty as anything else.
        The tiny cargo trains (IND) over here amaze me.  No fooling the freight cars are no bigger than wheel barrows.  It's hard to get used to this right hand drive business - especially while riding on a bicycle.  And some of the army vehicles drive at 30 - 40 MPH right through town.
        Well I think I have told you about everything I can. Truthfully, I have seen and experienced more in the last 4 days than I have in the last 4 years in Canada.  I must get this mailed now so Adeo for a day or so.

Much Love, Son.