Brize Norton, Oxon
February 12, 1939
Dear Esther:
I got your air mail letter the other day so while I feel in the mood I'll try to scribble off a few lines. Gosh, I'm terribly sorry to hear that you are laid up with lung trouble; I hope it isn't going to keep you in bed very long. Most likely by the time you get this letter you will be back at work again.
I haven't been writing very regularly lately, because instead of staying in on Wednesday and Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday I have been scooting around on my motorcycle. It seems like I don't get letters from home as clock like as before. I suppose Mamma is working and choring as hard as ever; she can never take it easy, always on the go.
Another Canadian fellow here went with me to Swindon yesterday on my cycle and he bought one there. So today we each took another fellow on the pillion seat and the 4 of us had a swell time. Half the time we didn't know where we were going but that didn't matter, we just kept on, down and up hills and crooked winding roads. I went around some of the corners that my leg shields rubbed on the road; I was leaning over so far. nearly all the roads are covered with tar or asphalt so there isn't any danger of skidding. We visited one very pretty place called the Swan Inn (another club) in Bibury - and old, village. We are going back there again and I'll take some pictures of the place to send to you. That reminds me that I would like to see a picture of yourself once in a blue moon - you haven't sent me a one yet - you might also include one of the boy friend for good measures.
On the 13th of March we will be going to Armament Camp near Grimsby on the east coast. We do real bombing and aerial gunnery there.
MONDAY FEBRUARY 13
I didn't finish your letter yesterday so will tonight. I have just come down from night flying. It is a perfect night - clear sky and very little wind. I went up dual for about 30 minutes, then I went up solo for half an hour. I could see all the lights of every house, village, town etc. for about 30 miles, then I landed and went up again for another 15 minutes. This is the first night flying I have done since last term. This term we use a powerful floodlight, which is on one end of the aerodrome, to land and it is almost like day. I really enjoyed it tonight. I guess that's because I made real good landings.
I got a letter from Mom and Richard today, also from Dot. I got a letter from Uncle Richard the other day.
I am sending a couple of "pitchers" along. They aren't very good - there are some that we developed and printed ourselves. I guess I didn't tell you that I could do that kind of work - well, anything for a change. It is quite interesting as a hobby.
I was expecting some Sweet Caporal cigarettes for Christmas but no one thought of smuggling in a few packets, so - well - I haven't got any. (Don't say I never give you a hint).
Today is February 14th - Valentine Day - I only remembered it this morning. Anyhow have just finished dinner and have a few minutes to spare. I have been flying for 1 hr. 5 min. this morning at 6,000 feet doing straight runs of a bombing exercise over a target. I have to get back to lectures in a couple of minutes so I'll mail this now or I'll never get it away.
Get well soon and take good care of yourself.
As Ever, Your Brother,
Estelles
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