Royal Air Force Station
Marham
King's Lynn, Norfolk
June 2, 1940
Dear Mr. Wickenkamp:
I am afraid your son's award of the O.B.E. for gallantry will be somewhat 'bittersweet' news to you, but I am glad that His Majesty has been pleased to approve of the award of this medal as a recognition of a very gallant act on the part of your son. My only regret is that it came through after his decease. you have every reason to be proud of him, this act in deliberately risking his life to save his companions is in keeping with the highest principles of civilized manhood.
The poor little widow of his 2nd pilot is staying with us now - Mrs. Wardlaw. She is trying to start life anew in our Women's Auxiliary Air Force, but the sorrow of her loss lies heavily upon her.
The spirit of these lads, of whom your son was one, is just beyond praise and in my Officers' Mess here. I have some of the 'salt of the earth'. Our empire may thank God for every one such.
Yours Very Sincerely,
Keith
Group Captain
(This is the last letter in the collection. I have enjoyed sharing them with you. I just wish that they ended happier. Thank you for coming along with me on this journey. I hope you enjoyed them.).
Showing posts with label Estelles Wickenkamp. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Estelles Wickenkamp. Show all posts
Monday, June 8, 2015
Sunday, June 7, 2015
World War II Letters Home May 2, 1940 - Estelles Wickenkamp
8 Milton Avenue
King's Lynn
Norfolk
May 2, 1940
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Wickenkamp:
After all this time, just a mater of about 2 years I come about to writing to you. I am, as you might imagine, completely at a loss as to what I have to tell you and the shock of late events leaves me feeling heavy of heart and mind.
I don't know quite what you would learn from official reports but I think you would like to know just what did happen and where it happened. First, I'd like to tell you that this last action in which I saw Wick went to prove the gallant airman he was and his thoughts were for others even in such a time when so much was at stake for himself.
On Sunday afternoon, April 7th, we were out patrolling the Danish Coast, I suppose looking for German troop ships which were at that time transporting men and munitions for their entry into Denmark and Norway. About 10 miles west of the Danish Coast and the Skaggerack we encountered enemy fighters - German 110's, what they call the "destroyer". At that time we were in 2 sections of Vic formation, flying as a flight - that is a Vic is 3 aircraft in that formation shaped as a V and there are 3 aircraft in a section, and 6 in a flight. Wick and I flew in the same flight and even the same section after we were split up. These 2 Vic sections were flying, one slightly higher and ahead of the other, just a matter of 6 feet lower and the nose of the following aircraft just under the leader's tail. Wick was flying in what we call 'No. 3' position and I was in No. 1. as I am now the Squadron Leaders 2nd pilot. During the attacks we were all pretty badly shot up, unfortunately because the enemy aircraft carried cannons and machine guns against our machine guns and stayed mostly out of range but they still got a good peppering and one was set afire.
The petrol tanks in Wick's wings were badly punctured and the flames from the engine exhaust set them alight and he broke formation, but as the fabric of his right hand wing had been badly burnt he could only turn toward us, and if he'd done that and gone under us he'd have run into fellows following us on our underside. His machine was badly damaged and still afire and there was little or no control in it and he couldn't help but swerve under us, and so in doing so he made use of his only controlling surface left and brought his craft around sharply in an effort t avoid colliding with the following aircraft and he succeeded but he missed them by such a small margin that some of their surfaces were charred by the spraying petrol.
A gallant deed by a man who was liked by all in our Squadron and one who is missed by us all and especially me as we've been together such a long time and done everything together. There is one ray of hope, and I don't want to lay this falsely but the pilot who was with Wick at the time, they believe was picked up and taken prisoner. At least, the Germans have since issued a statement that Pilot Officer Wardaw had been picked up. There is no P.O. Wardaw in the service and only one P/O Wardlaw and he was with Wick. These names of prisoners don't come through easily and so Wick just might be safe in Germany now.
I suppose you already know that Wick was commended for his bravery in his actions during that crash he was in at Marham during night flying, by the Air Officer commanding the R.A.F. I have forgotten his name but I suppose you already know about that anyway.
I am addressing this to you, Mr. Wickenkamp, because I fell I'd rather have you read it first and if you consider that it is alright for Mrs. Wickenkamp to read it as she might like to know first hand details, then I'll feel I've at least done one service for a fellow who was a real friend and pal of mine.
I must close now but not without first hoping everything goes well with you at home. As Mrs. Wickenkamp has said in one of here letters to me -- this is from your other boy in the R.A.F. and I do hope to hear from you any time and I remain.
Yours Sincerely,
Doug W. Morris
King's Lynn
Norfolk
May 2, 1940
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Wickenkamp:
After all this time, just a mater of about 2 years I come about to writing to you. I am, as you might imagine, completely at a loss as to what I have to tell you and the shock of late events leaves me feeling heavy of heart and mind.
I don't know quite what you would learn from official reports but I think you would like to know just what did happen and where it happened. First, I'd like to tell you that this last action in which I saw Wick went to prove the gallant airman he was and his thoughts were for others even in such a time when so much was at stake for himself.
On Sunday afternoon, April 7th, we were out patrolling the Danish Coast, I suppose looking for German troop ships which were at that time transporting men and munitions for their entry into Denmark and Norway. About 10 miles west of the Danish Coast and the Skaggerack we encountered enemy fighters - German 110's, what they call the "destroyer". At that time we were in 2 sections of Vic formation, flying as a flight - that is a Vic is 3 aircraft in that formation shaped as a V and there are 3 aircraft in a section, and 6 in a flight. Wick and I flew in the same flight and even the same section after we were split up. These 2 Vic sections were flying, one slightly higher and ahead of the other, just a matter of 6 feet lower and the nose of the following aircraft just under the leader's tail. Wick was flying in what we call 'No. 3' position and I was in No. 1. as I am now the Squadron Leaders 2nd pilot. During the attacks we were all pretty badly shot up, unfortunately because the enemy aircraft carried cannons and machine guns against our machine guns and stayed mostly out of range but they still got a good peppering and one was set afire.
The petrol tanks in Wick's wings were badly punctured and the flames from the engine exhaust set them alight and he broke formation, but as the fabric of his right hand wing had been badly burnt he could only turn toward us, and if he'd done that and gone under us he'd have run into fellows following us on our underside. His machine was badly damaged and still afire and there was little or no control in it and he couldn't help but swerve under us, and so in doing so he made use of his only controlling surface left and brought his craft around sharply in an effort t avoid colliding with the following aircraft and he succeeded but he missed them by such a small margin that some of their surfaces were charred by the spraying petrol.
A gallant deed by a man who was liked by all in our Squadron and one who is missed by us all and especially me as we've been together such a long time and done everything together. There is one ray of hope, and I don't want to lay this falsely but the pilot who was with Wick at the time, they believe was picked up and taken prisoner. At least, the Germans have since issued a statement that Pilot Officer Wardaw had been picked up. There is no P.O. Wardaw in the service and only one P/O Wardlaw and he was with Wick. These names of prisoners don't come through easily and so Wick just might be safe in Germany now.
I suppose you already know that Wick was commended for his bravery in his actions during that crash he was in at Marham during night flying, by the Air Officer commanding the R.A.F. I have forgotten his name but I suppose you already know about that anyway.
I am addressing this to you, Mr. Wickenkamp, because I fell I'd rather have you read it first and if you consider that it is alright for Mrs. Wickenkamp to read it as she might like to know first hand details, then I'll feel I've at least done one service for a fellow who was a real friend and pal of mine.
I must close now but not without first hoping everything goes well with you at home. As Mrs. Wickenkamp has said in one of here letters to me -- this is from your other boy in the R.A.F. and I do hope to hear from you any time and I remain.
Yours Sincerely,
Doug W. Morris
Saturday, April 18, 2015
World War II Letters Home April 18, 1940 - Estelles Wickenkamp
62 Abington Road
Cumnor, Oxford
England
18 - 4- 40
Dear Mrs. Wickenkamp:
Although we have not met, I feel as though I know you, having so much in common through Estelles. I find it so difficult to express my sympathy in words, as your grief must be infinitely greater than mine.
We had made such wonderful plans for the future. He was looking forward to the time when he could return home, and I could meet the mother he talked about. Man proposes but God disposes, and all these things were not to be,
Through our sorrow we can feel proud, we who loved him, as he died a hero. In his uncontrolled machine, he swerved to avoid the other friendly air crafts, thereby saving 12 other of his comrades' lives. And we know he died happily, as it was his wish (if he was to die) to die fighting for his country.
I wish you could See my engagement ring, it is a lovely diamond solitaire, set in platinum, with 2 diamonds on each side.
My mother and father send their greetings and sympathy, as they too had looked forward to the time when they could call him son, although he had been treated as one for the past 12 months. I trust you are feeling better by now. Do try and write me soon, as i am so anxious to hear from you. However all this appears on paper, my heart is with you, and I am thinking of you all the time.
Yours in Deepest Sympathy
Renee Astell
Cumnor, Oxford
England
18 - 4- 40
Dear Mrs. Wickenkamp:
Although we have not met, I feel as though I know you, having so much in common through Estelles. I find it so difficult to express my sympathy in words, as your grief must be infinitely greater than mine.
We had made such wonderful plans for the future. He was looking forward to the time when he could return home, and I could meet the mother he talked about. Man proposes but God disposes, and all these things were not to be,
Through our sorrow we can feel proud, we who loved him, as he died a hero. In his uncontrolled machine, he swerved to avoid the other friendly air crafts, thereby saving 12 other of his comrades' lives. And we know he died happily, as it was his wish (if he was to die) to die fighting for his country.
I wish you could See my engagement ring, it is a lovely diamond solitaire, set in platinum, with 2 diamonds on each side.
My mother and father send their greetings and sympathy, as they too had looked forward to the time when they could call him son, although he had been treated as one for the past 12 months. I trust you are feeling better by now. Do try and write me soon, as i am so anxious to hear from you. However all this appears on paper, my heart is with you, and I am thinking of you all the time.
Yours in Deepest Sympathy
Renee Astell
Monday, April 13, 2015
World War II Letters Home April 10, 1940 - Estelles Wickenkamp
Royal Air Force Station
Marham
King's Lynn, Norfolk
April 10, 1940
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Wickenkamp:
It is with the deepest regret that I have to write to you of your son who was reported missing and believed killed as a result of an engagement with the enemy on Sunday 7th April. In this engagement a formation of our aircraft, including the one in which your son was Captain, was attacked by some of the latest enemy fighters. ME 110s, while on duty over the North Sea. The enemy's attack was a very determined one and in spite of the magnificent steadiness shown by all our crews in meeting it the aircraft in which you son was flying was shot down and crashed into the sea. The rest of our machines were too high to see what became of the crew but I am afraid that they were killed instantly. In the course of the engagement we are fairly certain that our men accounted for one of the enemy.
You will be hearing officially later regarding the disposal of your son's things, and you will of course be told immediately should anything definite be hard regarding him. I did however want to write personally to express the deep sympathy we all feel with you in this heavy blow. We shall all miss a very gallant comrade who had particularly endeared himself to us by his bravery in rescuing 2 airmen from burning in an accident in which he was involved earlier in the year.
Yours Very Sincerely,
Wing Commander
Marham
King's Lynn, Norfolk
April 10, 1940
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Wickenkamp:
It is with the deepest regret that I have to write to you of your son who was reported missing and believed killed as a result of an engagement with the enemy on Sunday 7th April. In this engagement a formation of our aircraft, including the one in which your son was Captain, was attacked by some of the latest enemy fighters. ME 110s, while on duty over the North Sea. The enemy's attack was a very determined one and in spite of the magnificent steadiness shown by all our crews in meeting it the aircraft in which you son was flying was shot down and crashed into the sea. The rest of our machines were too high to see what became of the crew but I am afraid that they were killed instantly. In the course of the engagement we are fairly certain that our men accounted for one of the enemy.
You will be hearing officially later regarding the disposal of your son's things, and you will of course be told immediately should anything definite be hard regarding him. I did however want to write personally to express the deep sympathy we all feel with you in this heavy blow. We shall all miss a very gallant comrade who had particularly endeared himself to us by his bravery in rescuing 2 airmen from burning in an accident in which he was involved earlier in the year.
Yours Very Sincerely,
Wing Commander
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Obituary Sunday - Estelles Wickenkamp
Grandson of Casperites Killed In Patrol Duty Over North Sea
Capt. Estelles Wickenkamp, 27, Dies When Bomber Is Shot Down
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Wickenkamp received word yesterday of the death in action on April 7th of their grandson, Captain Estelles Wickenkamp, aged 27, while on patrol duty with the British Royal air force over the North Sea.
The British government reported to this parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wickenkamp of Stenen, Sask., that Captain Wickenkamp was leading an eight-plane patrol in a scouting flight near the Ornkey Islands. Two of the planes were shot down by enemy pursuit ships, one of them the Wellington bomber in which Wickenkamp was directing operations. All of the seven men instantly killed. No trace has been found of the plane or its occupants.
Captain Wickenkamp was born in Nebraska, but his parents moved to Saskatchewan about 15 years ago.
Besides his grandparents, other relatives living in Casper include two uncles H. F. and W. G Wickenkamp; an aunt, Mrs. Alma Sehnert West; and six cousins.
World War II Letters Home April 9, 1940 - Estelles Wickenkamp
Royal Air Force Station
Marham
King's Lynn, Norfolk
April 9, 1940
Dear Mr. Wickenkamp:
By now you will have been informed from Air Ministry that your son was reported "missing, believed killed while engaged in air operations." he died 'somewhere' in the grey North Sea at approximately 3:45 p.m. on the 7th of April.
I am writing to send you our deepest sympathy in the lose of your son. He had been serving at Marham since the end of November last and had proved himself to be of a type which we call ill afford to lose. I think you can rest assured that he was liked and popular in the Officers' Mess and with the Airmen of his squadron.
Some little time ago, through fault of his own, he was involved in a serious crash at night which resulted in the complete wreckage of the aircraft and its bursting into flames. Although himself dazed by the crash, he assisted another member of the crew who was temporarily stunned to safety out of the burning wreckage. Then most gallantly went back to extricate another of the crew who was stunned. On going back he became entangled by his parachute harness and while clearing himself he received burns but was able to rescue the last of the crew who where then all saved without serious injury. At the time it was our privilege to report this very gallant act to my Group Headquarters for official recognition.
His effects will be dealt with according to war service procedure by a Committee of Adjustment. They will communicate with yourself, direct, in due course. If you have any special wishes, or there is anything that I could do, will you please inform me?
Although the loss of many brave lives is inevitable in war, one might find comfort in the thought that their sacrifice may not be in vain and will not pass forgotten. At least they are spared the further beastliness of the vile war which has been thrust upon us.
There are many at Marham who have come from Canada in the service of our Empire and I, myself came not very far from where you are - having been born at Qu'Appelle. We also have representation from all the other Dominions as well as from all the home countries, and the men lived as such a happy family that your Estelles' death will be felt acutely by everyone.
You have the satisfaction of knowing that he has died on duty, leaving a clean and enviable record and will not be forgotten among us.
Yours Sincerely,
(Herbert) Keith
Group Captain
Marham
King's Lynn, Norfolk
April 9, 1940
Dear Mr. Wickenkamp:
By now you will have been informed from Air Ministry that your son was reported "missing, believed killed while engaged in air operations." he died 'somewhere' in the grey North Sea at approximately 3:45 p.m. on the 7th of April.
I am writing to send you our deepest sympathy in the lose of your son. He had been serving at Marham since the end of November last and had proved himself to be of a type which we call ill afford to lose. I think you can rest assured that he was liked and popular in the Officers' Mess and with the Airmen of his squadron.
Some little time ago, through fault of his own, he was involved in a serious crash at night which resulted in the complete wreckage of the aircraft and its bursting into flames. Although himself dazed by the crash, he assisted another member of the crew who was temporarily stunned to safety out of the burning wreckage. Then most gallantly went back to extricate another of the crew who was stunned. On going back he became entangled by his parachute harness and while clearing himself he received burns but was able to rescue the last of the crew who where then all saved without serious injury. At the time it was our privilege to report this very gallant act to my Group Headquarters for official recognition.
His effects will be dealt with according to war service procedure by a Committee of Adjustment. They will communicate with yourself, direct, in due course. If you have any special wishes, or there is anything that I could do, will you please inform me?
Although the loss of many brave lives is inevitable in war, one might find comfort in the thought that their sacrifice may not be in vain and will not pass forgotten. At least they are spared the further beastliness of the vile war which has been thrust upon us.
There are many at Marham who have come from Canada in the service of our Empire and I, myself came not very far from where you are - having been born at Qu'Appelle. We also have representation from all the other Dominions as well as from all the home countries, and the men lived as such a happy family that your Estelles' death will be felt acutely by everyone.
You have the satisfaction of knowing that he has died on duty, leaving a clean and enviable record and will not be forgotten among us.
Yours Sincerely,
(Herbert) Keith
Group Captain
Saturday, April 11, 2015
World War II Letters Home April 8, 1940 - Estelles Wickenkamp
CANADIAN NATIONAL TELEGRAM
London PO via
Regina, Sask.
April 8, 1940
F. H. Wickenkamp
Stenen, Sask.
From under Secretary of State Ministry. Immediate regret to inform you that your son, Pilot Officer Estelles Arthur Wickenkamp is reported as missing and believed to have lost his life as the result of air operation on 7th April, 1940. Letter follows. Any further information will be immediately communicated to you.
No. Sig. 219P
Saturday, February 28, 2015
World War II Letters Home February 28, 1940 - Estelles Wickenkamp
R.A.F. Marham
February 28, 1940
Dear Folks:
I don't remember exactly when I wrote last but I suppose it have been over a week ago. How is everything going on the farm? I'll bet you are all patiently waiting for Spring to come. Well, that's where I am ahead of you as it is already here. At least the weather is, although the leaves haven't come out yet.
I am getting the Free Press now or did I tell you that before? I am terribly sorry to say that I never received any of your parcels nor the one from Esther. It's too bad, I can't imagine what has happened to them. I wrote to Harwell and they never got there so I suppose they got lost before they got to England or maybe lost over here during the Christmas rush. If you don't mid, you might send me a small box of cookies and some home-made candy. I'd love to have some. I have to admit I haven't sent your parcels yet. It seems that when I want to send it I can't find any paper or string and otherwise I don't seem to get the time to find some or else I forget it. But I will get my batman busy this week and i am including an old pair of service trousers for Richard to wear - you will have to patch them up as I tore them on Saturday night when:
F/O Scott and I crashed over our machine. We were just taking off for a 3 hour night trip over to the Bristol Channel but we only got to the top of a hill just off the aerodrome. Scott happened to be flying into a row of big trees and cut the tops off 3 of them. It didn't shake the machine any, just a dull thud. I was standing under the astro hatch looking out. Realizing we were going to crash I yelled to the crew "hold tight" - a few seconds later, which seemed like minutes the plane hit the ground. Luckily we hit it quite flat, although 1 wing was going down as the end had been cut off by the trees. The petrol has been punctured and burning before we hit the ground, but as we hit the back half of the aeroplane broke off and the remained swung around facing the direction from which we had come; also the front turret broke off. For both of these breaks we were very thankful as it meant 2 big holes for 7 of us to crawl out. The instant we touched the ground, which was at 100 m.p.h. the whole machine being sprayed with petrol burst into flames. It gave us light to see by but we had a pretty hot time. it is funny that just before we went up I told the tail and nose gunners that they need not ride in the turrets, that they could sit on the bed and keep out of the way.
Anyhow, after our impact, I drug these 2 gunners out, the 1st one was quite alright but the 2nd fellow had temporarily paralyzed his legs and couldn't walk. While I as pulling him out I got the snaps of my parachute harness hooked on some of the control wires, so I had to stop and knock the safety buckle loose and leave it there. After that I was going back into our flaming cage to get the 4 men when I saw them already crawling and stumbling across the field. I couldn't see how they could get out as I didn't know the nose had broken off. After a few minutes the fire tender found us and half the camp guards were there but the flames were up to the sky then.
Scott and the Dental Officer who was sitting in the 2nd pilot's seat got off with a fractured nose and a gash in the forehead respectively. The wireless operator got a cut in his eyelid, the Sergeant Observer got nothing nor did the 2 gunners suffer. I got my hip and ribs bruised up a bit, but an x-ray revealed no breaks; also my left hand got burned a bit - I still have it bandaged. I don't think anyone suffered any moral shaking. On the whole I suppose we were very lucky 7 and we shall have a brand new aeroplane to fly. A number of pictures were taken and as soon as I can get some I'll let you have them.
About 4 days before this we went over to heligoland to blow up some of Germany's largest warships but we couldn't find them at night even though they were frozen in the ice, so actually our trip was a wash-out.
I'm afraid i haven't such news to write about. I am spending my 3 days leave with Doug and his wife here in King's Lynn.
The weather hasn't been very nice lately; we saw the sun a couple of times in the last fortnight. Well, I think I have nearly overdone myself writing this much, so for a few days I lay low. Tell me all the local farm news when you write.
Best Wishes and Love,
Estelles
February 28, 1940
Dear Folks:
I don't remember exactly when I wrote last but I suppose it have been over a week ago. How is everything going on the farm? I'll bet you are all patiently waiting for Spring to come. Well, that's where I am ahead of you as it is already here. At least the weather is, although the leaves haven't come out yet.
I am getting the Free Press now or did I tell you that before? I am terribly sorry to say that I never received any of your parcels nor the one from Esther. It's too bad, I can't imagine what has happened to them. I wrote to Harwell and they never got there so I suppose they got lost before they got to England or maybe lost over here during the Christmas rush. If you don't mid, you might send me a small box of cookies and some home-made candy. I'd love to have some. I have to admit I haven't sent your parcels yet. It seems that when I want to send it I can't find any paper or string and otherwise I don't seem to get the time to find some or else I forget it. But I will get my batman busy this week and i am including an old pair of service trousers for Richard to wear - you will have to patch them up as I tore them on Saturday night when:
F/O Scott and I crashed over our machine. We were just taking off for a 3 hour night trip over to the Bristol Channel but we only got to the top of a hill just off the aerodrome. Scott happened to be flying into a row of big trees and cut the tops off 3 of them. It didn't shake the machine any, just a dull thud. I was standing under the astro hatch looking out. Realizing we were going to crash I yelled to the crew "hold tight" - a few seconds later, which seemed like minutes the plane hit the ground. Luckily we hit it quite flat, although 1 wing was going down as the end had been cut off by the trees. The petrol has been punctured and burning before we hit the ground, but as we hit the back half of the aeroplane broke off and the remained swung around facing the direction from which we had come; also the front turret broke off. For both of these breaks we were very thankful as it meant 2 big holes for 7 of us to crawl out. The instant we touched the ground, which was at 100 m.p.h. the whole machine being sprayed with petrol burst into flames. It gave us light to see by but we had a pretty hot time. it is funny that just before we went up I told the tail and nose gunners that they need not ride in the turrets, that they could sit on the bed and keep out of the way.
Anyhow, after our impact, I drug these 2 gunners out, the 1st one was quite alright but the 2nd fellow had temporarily paralyzed his legs and couldn't walk. While I as pulling him out I got the snaps of my parachute harness hooked on some of the control wires, so I had to stop and knock the safety buckle loose and leave it there. After that I was going back into our flaming cage to get the 4 men when I saw them already crawling and stumbling across the field. I couldn't see how they could get out as I didn't know the nose had broken off. After a few minutes the fire tender found us and half the camp guards were there but the flames were up to the sky then.
Scott and the Dental Officer who was sitting in the 2nd pilot's seat got off with a fractured nose and a gash in the forehead respectively. The wireless operator got a cut in his eyelid, the Sergeant Observer got nothing nor did the 2 gunners suffer. I got my hip and ribs bruised up a bit, but an x-ray revealed no breaks; also my left hand got burned a bit - I still have it bandaged. I don't think anyone suffered any moral shaking. On the whole I suppose we were very lucky 7 and we shall have a brand new aeroplane to fly. A number of pictures were taken and as soon as I can get some I'll let you have them.
About 4 days before this we went over to heligoland to blow up some of Germany's largest warships but we couldn't find them at night even though they were frozen in the ice, so actually our trip was a wash-out.
I'm afraid i haven't such news to write about. I am spending my 3 days leave with Doug and his wife here in King's Lynn.
The weather hasn't been very nice lately; we saw the sun a couple of times in the last fortnight. Well, I think I have nearly overdone myself writing this much, so for a few days I lay low. Tell me all the local farm news when you write.
Best Wishes and Love,
Estelles
Monday, February 2, 2015
World War II Letters Home - February 2, 1940 - Estelles Wickenkamp
Royal Air Force
Marham
King's Lynn, Norfolk
February 2, 1940
Dear Folks:
I got your last letter with the stamps in it, also the one before with livestock ticket and I also received another Family Herald. I haven't sent you any papers lately but will start again this week. It is the Daily Mirror - all the latest scandal and cheap headline stuff - but still it does contain nearly everything worth writing about.
I have been in bed for 4 days with a slight touch of flu and a good does of tonsillitis. I could hardly swallow, so I have had to eat soup and rice pudding, etc. and drink milk, but today I am much better and shall probably be allowed to wander around in the mess tomorrow. In 3 days from now my section have 3 days leave - so by the time our leave is over I should be ready to fly again.
Raiders have been coming along our coast and shooting up light vessels and fishing boats so we are sending out patrols to intercept them. We have done very little work lately as the snow is from 1 to 2 feet deep on the aerodrome. Small machines can't take off but our big 'uns just wallow along and the big wheels splash through snow like water until they stagger off.
Last week we were doing some co-operation with a finger squadron at Wittering, near Peterboro. We were getting practice at evasion tactics and it gave them attack practice, also showed them how easy it wasn't to bite at a big bird with lots of stings. some of our maneuvers had them absolutely foxed - they couldn't get at us. They (fighters) were using cine-cameras so they could study the results of their efforts but only about 1/9 of their films had any results, much to their disappointment.
the last time we went over there it started to rain and snow, all of which froze on the aircraft so we had to land and were there 3 days before we could get off again, on account of the weather.
I got commended the other day on my abilities of a navigator by our squadron leader; he said that I had quite proved myself on Hamburg episode. so I says -er, um - "Sir, you don't mean that little jaunt, well yu' oughter send me on a long trip and I could show you sumpin'!!!". He knows Doug and I are not so rusty at flying because when we each get in a plane and fly formation with him we just scare the pants off his crew, and they reckon, when they are that close that they can see the pilot of another machine grinning at them, that is just too dern late to jump.
Well, it looks like it's time I stopped. Maybe I'll have some news to write about next time.
Best wishes to all of you.
Love,
Estelles
Marham
King's Lynn, Norfolk
February 2, 1940
Dear Folks:
I got your last letter with the stamps in it, also the one before with livestock ticket and I also received another Family Herald. I haven't sent you any papers lately but will start again this week. It is the Daily Mirror - all the latest scandal and cheap headline stuff - but still it does contain nearly everything worth writing about.
I have been in bed for 4 days with a slight touch of flu and a good does of tonsillitis. I could hardly swallow, so I have had to eat soup and rice pudding, etc. and drink milk, but today I am much better and shall probably be allowed to wander around in the mess tomorrow. In 3 days from now my section have 3 days leave - so by the time our leave is over I should be ready to fly again.
Raiders have been coming along our coast and shooting up light vessels and fishing boats so we are sending out patrols to intercept them. We have done very little work lately as the snow is from 1 to 2 feet deep on the aerodrome. Small machines can't take off but our big 'uns just wallow along and the big wheels splash through snow like water until they stagger off.
Last week we were doing some co-operation with a finger squadron at Wittering, near Peterboro. We were getting practice at evasion tactics and it gave them attack practice, also showed them how easy it wasn't to bite at a big bird with lots of stings. some of our maneuvers had them absolutely foxed - they couldn't get at us. They (fighters) were using cine-cameras so they could study the results of their efforts but only about 1/9 of their films had any results, much to their disappointment.
the last time we went over there it started to rain and snow, all of which froze on the aircraft so we had to land and were there 3 days before we could get off again, on account of the weather.
I got commended the other day on my abilities of a navigator by our squadron leader; he said that I had quite proved myself on Hamburg episode. so I says -er, um - "Sir, you don't mean that little jaunt, well yu' oughter send me on a long trip and I could show you sumpin'!!!". He knows Doug and I are not so rusty at flying because when we each get in a plane and fly formation with him we just scare the pants off his crew, and they reckon, when they are that close that they can see the pilot of another machine grinning at them, that is just too dern late to jump.
Well, it looks like it's time I stopped. Maybe I'll have some news to write about next time.
Best wishes to all of you.
Love,
Estelles
Thursday, January 22, 2015
World War II Letters Home January 22, 1940 - Estelles Wickenkamp
Royal Air Force
Marham
King's Lynn, Norfolk
January 22, 1940
Dear Esther:
I am enjoying 6 days leave at Oxford. As Renee has gone to work this morning I have time to try to do a little writing. I am afraid I haven't done much lately. I wrote home the day before yesterday and told them about my work so I won't repeat it all to you as you will be reading it anyway.
I have been out on 2 "searches" and a "Nickel raid" - which means a leaflet raid. The searches and patrols are flights over the North Sea and Heligoland Bight. We usually go in large formations of about 15 or 18 aircraft - they last 5 or 6 hours. On the leaflet raid we only sent 1 aircraft from each squadron. On our station I had the honour of being the first officer to go on our 1st raid of the nature. We didn't meet any opposition - only got caught by searchlights a couple of times over Hamburg. We left our base just after midnight last Saturday and got back at 7:00 o'clock Sunday just after daybreak. I was 1st navigator and 2nd pilot and believe it or not we didn't even get lost. Our trip was about 1,00 miles. The trip was quite comfortable as the temperature was only - 10 (degrees Celsius) usually it is about -30 (degrees Celsius); that's when you suffer a bit. Actually the front and rear gunners have the worst part of it as they have to stay in those draughty turrets the whole time. About half way round or at some convenient time we have hot coffee and sandwiches and that always hits a warming note.
Holland doesn't have any blackout so we would see the Dutch towns about 30 or 40 miles away. Of course we don't fly over them at any height as they get annoyed and fire A.A. at us, but it does make a good land mark when visibility is good.
We had a bit of snowstorm in Norfolk last week - about 4 inches of snow on the level and in places it drifted over the roads about 2 feet deep - of course I realize that it is a mere nothing in your country, but in my country it is really frightfully, old deah! but here around Oxford there is only a trace of snow but has been freezing quite hard. Water pipes in the houses have frozen and burst. I can sure appreciate a warm house after living in these English houses - they have no idea of insulation. The walls are from a foot to 2 feet thick, solid stone or brick and the cold goes right through them. I thought this idea of a fireplace in each room was quite a cozy idea but it is a real necessity.
I didn't get your letter finished while I was as Oxford - now that I am back at camp I'll do so. Gosh, it is awful to got back to work after having 6 days leave - I hat the site of this place now.
When I got back this evening I had 2 letters from home waiting for me; One was written on November 21 and the other on December 31 and both got here practically the same time - I think it was because the 1st one was sent to Harwell. it has been all over the country and even to Air Ministry. The envelope was so worn that it was half apart - a wonder the letter was still in it. it may have been opened for censorship, if so, they might have sealed it up again. Mom told me about the nice kitchen set you sent her for Christmas - she is very pleased with it.
I still haven't received any of the parcels Mom said were coming. She sent them to Harwell - i don't know why, as she knew I was here at Marham. Sending anything to a station that far back on the list just means that it will go to at least 5 or 6 different places before I eventually get it, if at all, but they may turn up yet. Everyone seems quite busy at home - Dad is building a big sleigh - Richard is converting the old Buick into a farm truck, when he is not making ice or cutting wood - Mom is making the chickens lay more eggs.
Doug Morris is going to get hooked up some time next month. I don't think he has decided the exact date yet. That will me alone so I suppose my turn is next. Not for a while though - probably in June; anyhow, there's plenty of time to worry about that. Renee's mother wants her to wait another year, as she will only be 19 on the last of April, but Renee says "phooey to that" so what! I'll send you a miniature photo of her next time.
I am going to try to get in some skating this winter as all the ponds and canals are frozen over and there isn't such an awful lot of snow so that people have cleared off a lot of patches. I have done next to nothing for exercise, except a bit of walking for so long that I believe I am getting lazy.
Is there going to be a training center for the R.C.A.F near Battleford or are they mostly in the eastern part?
this is a rather disconnected letter but it is the best I can do today. Kindly excuse the scribbling and any mistakes or omissions.
Cheerio and don't work too hard.
Love,
Estelles
Marham
King's Lynn, Norfolk
January 22, 1940
Dear Esther:
I am enjoying 6 days leave at Oxford. As Renee has gone to work this morning I have time to try to do a little writing. I am afraid I haven't done much lately. I wrote home the day before yesterday and told them about my work so I won't repeat it all to you as you will be reading it anyway.
I have been out on 2 "searches" and a "Nickel raid" - which means a leaflet raid. The searches and patrols are flights over the North Sea and Heligoland Bight. We usually go in large formations of about 15 or 18 aircraft - they last 5 or 6 hours. On the leaflet raid we only sent 1 aircraft from each squadron. On our station I had the honour of being the first officer to go on our 1st raid of the nature. We didn't meet any opposition - only got caught by searchlights a couple of times over Hamburg. We left our base just after midnight last Saturday and got back at 7:00 o'clock Sunday just after daybreak. I was 1st navigator and 2nd pilot and believe it or not we didn't even get lost. Our trip was about 1,00 miles. The trip was quite comfortable as the temperature was only - 10 (degrees Celsius) usually it is about -30 (degrees Celsius); that's when you suffer a bit. Actually the front and rear gunners have the worst part of it as they have to stay in those draughty turrets the whole time. About half way round or at some convenient time we have hot coffee and sandwiches and that always hits a warming note.
Holland doesn't have any blackout so we would see the Dutch towns about 30 or 40 miles away. Of course we don't fly over them at any height as they get annoyed and fire A.A. at us, but it does make a good land mark when visibility is good.
We had a bit of snowstorm in Norfolk last week - about 4 inches of snow on the level and in places it drifted over the roads about 2 feet deep - of course I realize that it is a mere nothing in your country, but in my country it is really frightfully, old deah! but here around Oxford there is only a trace of snow but has been freezing quite hard. Water pipes in the houses have frozen and burst. I can sure appreciate a warm house after living in these English houses - they have no idea of insulation. The walls are from a foot to 2 feet thick, solid stone or brick and the cold goes right through them. I thought this idea of a fireplace in each room was quite a cozy idea but it is a real necessity.
I didn't get your letter finished while I was as Oxford - now that I am back at camp I'll do so. Gosh, it is awful to got back to work after having 6 days leave - I hat the site of this place now.
When I got back this evening I had 2 letters from home waiting for me; One was written on November 21 and the other on December 31 and both got here practically the same time - I think it was because the 1st one was sent to Harwell. it has been all over the country and even to Air Ministry. The envelope was so worn that it was half apart - a wonder the letter was still in it. it may have been opened for censorship, if so, they might have sealed it up again. Mom told me about the nice kitchen set you sent her for Christmas - she is very pleased with it.
I still haven't received any of the parcels Mom said were coming. She sent them to Harwell - i don't know why, as she knew I was here at Marham. Sending anything to a station that far back on the list just means that it will go to at least 5 or 6 different places before I eventually get it, if at all, but they may turn up yet. Everyone seems quite busy at home - Dad is building a big sleigh - Richard is converting the old Buick into a farm truck, when he is not making ice or cutting wood - Mom is making the chickens lay more eggs.
Doug Morris is going to get hooked up some time next month. I don't think he has decided the exact date yet. That will me alone so I suppose my turn is next. Not for a while though - probably in June; anyhow, there's plenty of time to worry about that. Renee's mother wants her to wait another year, as she will only be 19 on the last of April, but Renee says "phooey to that" so what! I'll send you a miniature photo of her next time.
I am going to try to get in some skating this winter as all the ponds and canals are frozen over and there isn't such an awful lot of snow so that people have cleared off a lot of patches. I have done next to nothing for exercise, except a bit of walking for so long that I believe I am getting lazy.
Is there going to be a training center for the R.C.A.F near Battleford or are they mostly in the eastern part?
this is a rather disconnected letter but it is the best I can do today. Kindly excuse the scribbling and any mistakes or omissions.
Cheerio and don't work too hard.
Love,
Estelles
Sunday, January 18, 2015
World War II Letters Home January 18, 1940 - Estelles Wickenkamp
Royal Air Force
Marham
King's Lynn, Norfolk
January 18, 1940
Dear Folks:
I am on my 6 days leave now so I am writing this at Oxford. There is hardly any snow here but up at Lynn we have about 4 inches. We had a real snow fall and there are even snow drifts a foot deep. That is the most snow I have seen since I've been here.
We have been quite busy lately and I just haven't managed to do any letter writing. I have made quite a few trips to Brooklands, just south of London to get our aircraft petrol tanks armour plated at the Vickers Armstrong Works where they make Wellingtons. It is very interesting going through the factory. Everyone has a certain piece of metal and the next one fills them up with rivets - but anyhow they are sure turning them out.
the newer Wellingtons coming out now have 4 guns in each turret instead of 2 or so that gives us 12 guns per aircraft. I brought a new plane from the works last week all by myself - contrary to Air Ministry orders as each heavy bomber is supposed to carry at least a 1st and 2nd pilot and a W/T operator. it was a lovely job - flew perfectly.
I had a lot of fun on my way back to our camp - there were 3 of us in formation and we did all sorts of practices - rotating vic, forming echelon and vertical vic etc. - you understand but it is a process of changing formation called 'evasive action' used to make it difficult for fighters to attack us. We also did some low-flying in tight (close) formation and shot up farm houses and villages along the way. We ran into a large flock of sea gulls and i hit 2 of them or else they hit me - anyway, I dented in the engine cowling a bit and the other hit just below the leading edge of the wing so it did no damage. When they hit right on the leading edge they make quite a dent.
On the night of the 13th our squadron did its 1st leaflet raid with 1 aircraft and I had the honour to be included. The Captain was Flight-Sergeant Powell and I was 2nd pilot and 1st navigator. We left the ground 15 minutes past midnight loaded with nearly 1,500 lbs. of leaflets. I don't know how many leaflets there were in each packet, probably about 3,000 and there were 297 pkts. So I suppose there must have been about a million pieces of paper floating down. If you get out your map of Europe I'll tell you where we went.
From our station we went to Lowestaft which is an exit lane, from there we made good a track of 059' which took us north of Holland about 30 miles; from there we went east passing just south of Amrum Island and hit the German coast up on the Danish peninsula.. Then from there across country straight to Hamburg. The ground is all covered with snow, and although it was a cloudless night there was no moon, we could make out islands in the sea and see woods and towns quite plainly from 15,000 feet. Going over Hamburg we got picked up by searchlights a couple times but at 4:00 in the morning they must have been feeling dopey because we didn't get any A.A. fire. From Hamburg we flew south for 40 miles which took us 22 minutes and during which time we delivered our airmail. I might suppose you think the leaflets fell on Hamburg - well, they didn't. At the height we were the wind was 35 m.p.h. from east. It took the leaflets 1 hour, 35 minutes to fall and in that time they blew 56 miles west - so according to our previous calculations they should have fallen on Bremen and district. It isn't just a matter of dropping them at random.
I have some samples of the leaflets as souvenirs and will send you one of each the next time I write as I haven't them with me. We got back to our station at 7:15 in the morning so there was enough light for us to land without flare path. We take coffee, sandwiches, raisins, chocolate bars and candy with us to eat on the way and it really tastes good.
the day I came back Doug went to Sandringham near Lynn to play ice-hockey with what he thought would be the local yokels, but to horror and surprise he found himself on a hockey team with the King and a bunch of Lord ups an downs. He could hardly believe it all. During a rest period he met the Queen and Princesses and sat on a bench for half an hour chatting with the Queen and having a cigarette with her. he was so excited when he came home I couldn't imagine what had happened. We have nicknamed Doug - "Kingle".
Also - still talking of Doug, he is going to get married on the 11th of February, so it looks as if I am going to be alone in the near future. If you don't mind could you write just a short note to him and sort of wish him well. he would be very pleased. While I am thinking about it, I might say that the picture show newsreel the boys saw did not include me as far as I can remember. Sorry to disappoint anyone - but it must have been 2 other guys.
I haven't our last letter with me and I don't remember whether you asked me any other questions or not. I get the Free Press that you send and I got the Chicago Heralds. I have a terrible time hanging on to the funnies until I read them as everyone wants them. They don't have them in this country. I got a card from Mrs. John Hootz and also a card and letter from Ada. That is certainly too had about Vic. I hope he gets mended soon.
I haven't received any of your parcels yet, but since you sent them to Harwell they are probably being forwarded in stages from there. I hope they don't get lost anywhere. I also got a card from Aunt Helen. I got several pairs of socks and some cigarettes from 2 different families that Doug and I spent some summer holidays with. Everyone is knitting for the troops these days.
Rationing on bacon, ham and sugar and butter is in force now so whenever we go on leave we have to draw our ration cards. People in the services get about 50% more rations than civilians. We get per week - meat 5 1/4 lbs. (not rationed yet); bacon and ham 14 oz., sugar 21 oz. the rations must be adequate as no one seems to be complaining of undernourishment. Coal was going to be rationed but they have lifted that. Nearly everything has gone up a bit in price but not a lot, except silk stockings - their price is about double. Popular brands of cigarettes cost 1/1 or .27 cents for 20. Petrol is 1/10 (.44 cents) a gallon when you manage to have a coupon.
CENSORED SECTION
Well, I think I have run out of news for this time. Nearly all the ponds, rivers and canals are frozen over so people are skating a bit.
Take good care of yourselves this winter.
Love,
Estelles
P.S. Renee sends her best regards and says she will write to you one of these days.
Marham
King's Lynn, Norfolk
January 18, 1940
Dear Folks:
I am on my 6 days leave now so I am writing this at Oxford. There is hardly any snow here but up at Lynn we have about 4 inches. We had a real snow fall and there are even snow drifts a foot deep. That is the most snow I have seen since I've been here.
We have been quite busy lately and I just haven't managed to do any letter writing. I have made quite a few trips to Brooklands, just south of London to get our aircraft petrol tanks armour plated at the Vickers Armstrong Works where they make Wellingtons. It is very interesting going through the factory. Everyone has a certain piece of metal and the next one fills them up with rivets - but anyhow they are sure turning them out.
the newer Wellingtons coming out now have 4 guns in each turret instead of 2 or so that gives us 12 guns per aircraft. I brought a new plane from the works last week all by myself - contrary to Air Ministry orders as each heavy bomber is supposed to carry at least a 1st and 2nd pilot and a W/T operator. it was a lovely job - flew perfectly.
I had a lot of fun on my way back to our camp - there were 3 of us in formation and we did all sorts of practices - rotating vic, forming echelon and vertical vic etc. - you understand but it is a process of changing formation called 'evasive action' used to make it difficult for fighters to attack us. We also did some low-flying in tight (close) formation and shot up farm houses and villages along the way. We ran into a large flock of sea gulls and i hit 2 of them or else they hit me - anyway, I dented in the engine cowling a bit and the other hit just below the leading edge of the wing so it did no damage. When they hit right on the leading edge they make quite a dent.
On the night of the 13th our squadron did its 1st leaflet raid with 1 aircraft and I had the honour to be included. The Captain was Flight-Sergeant Powell and I was 2nd pilot and 1st navigator. We left the ground 15 minutes past midnight loaded with nearly 1,500 lbs. of leaflets. I don't know how many leaflets there were in each packet, probably about 3,000 and there were 297 pkts. So I suppose there must have been about a million pieces of paper floating down. If you get out your map of Europe I'll tell you where we went.
From our station we went to Lowestaft which is an exit lane, from there we made good a track of 059' which took us north of Holland about 30 miles; from there we went east passing just south of Amrum Island and hit the German coast up on the Danish peninsula.. Then from there across country straight to Hamburg. The ground is all covered with snow, and although it was a cloudless night there was no moon, we could make out islands in the sea and see woods and towns quite plainly from 15,000 feet. Going over Hamburg we got picked up by searchlights a couple times but at 4:00 in the morning they must have been feeling dopey because we didn't get any A.A. fire. From Hamburg we flew south for 40 miles which took us 22 minutes and during which time we delivered our airmail. I might suppose you think the leaflets fell on Hamburg - well, they didn't. At the height we were the wind was 35 m.p.h. from east. It took the leaflets 1 hour, 35 minutes to fall and in that time they blew 56 miles west - so according to our previous calculations they should have fallen on Bremen and district. It isn't just a matter of dropping them at random.
I have some samples of the leaflets as souvenirs and will send you one of each the next time I write as I haven't them with me. We got back to our station at 7:15 in the morning so there was enough light for us to land without flare path. We take coffee, sandwiches, raisins, chocolate bars and candy with us to eat on the way and it really tastes good.
the day I came back Doug went to Sandringham near Lynn to play ice-hockey with what he thought would be the local yokels, but to horror and surprise he found himself on a hockey team with the King and a bunch of Lord ups an downs. He could hardly believe it all. During a rest period he met the Queen and Princesses and sat on a bench for half an hour chatting with the Queen and having a cigarette with her. he was so excited when he came home I couldn't imagine what had happened. We have nicknamed Doug - "Kingle".
Also - still talking of Doug, he is going to get married on the 11th of February, so it looks as if I am going to be alone in the near future. If you don't mind could you write just a short note to him and sort of wish him well. he would be very pleased. While I am thinking about it, I might say that the picture show newsreel the boys saw did not include me as far as I can remember. Sorry to disappoint anyone - but it must have been 2 other guys.
I haven't our last letter with me and I don't remember whether you asked me any other questions or not. I get the Free Press that you send and I got the Chicago Heralds. I have a terrible time hanging on to the funnies until I read them as everyone wants them. They don't have them in this country. I got a card from Mrs. John Hootz and also a card and letter from Ada. That is certainly too had about Vic. I hope he gets mended soon.
I haven't received any of your parcels yet, but since you sent them to Harwell they are probably being forwarded in stages from there. I hope they don't get lost anywhere. I also got a card from Aunt Helen. I got several pairs of socks and some cigarettes from 2 different families that Doug and I spent some summer holidays with. Everyone is knitting for the troops these days.
Rationing on bacon, ham and sugar and butter is in force now so whenever we go on leave we have to draw our ration cards. People in the services get about 50% more rations than civilians. We get per week - meat 5 1/4 lbs. (not rationed yet); bacon and ham 14 oz., sugar 21 oz. the rations must be adequate as no one seems to be complaining of undernourishment. Coal was going to be rationed but they have lifted that. Nearly everything has gone up a bit in price but not a lot, except silk stockings - their price is about double. Popular brands of cigarettes cost 1/1 or .27 cents for 20. Petrol is 1/10 (.44 cents) a gallon when you manage to have a coupon.
CENSORED SECTION
Well, I think I have run out of news for this time. Nearly all the ponds, rivers and canals are frozen over so people are skating a bit.
Take good care of yourselves this winter.
Love,
Estelles
P.S. Renee sends her best regards and says she will write to you one of these days.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
World War II Letters Home December 30, 1939 - Estelles Wickenkamp
Royal Air Force
Marham
King's Lynn, Norfolk
December 30, 1939
Dear Folks:
Here it is almost another year, and I have been in England a year and a half. It has been quite an experience - more than I have had during any other 18 months in my life.
We have been having a few snow flurries but most of it melts so there is only a trace of snow on the ground, although the ground has been frozen for over a week, Some of the fellows here from Australia and New Zealand saw their first snow-fall the other day - it seems hard to believe. One of them was shuffling around in it and kicking it in the air, he thought it was great novelty. The fresh crisp air now is much more comfortable than the raw, damp weather we have been having.
I was supposed to go on another 'sweep' over the North Sea this morning in search of the German fleet but for some reason it was cancelled. We don't do any raids (this group) over German ports anymore; we are just doing coastal patrols and 'sweeps' or searches.
You ought to see us when we get all bundled up for a flight just like the fat teddy bears. We put our leather fur lined trousers and jackets. Over our jackets go our life saving jackets, which have inflatable linings (we call them 'Mae West' in the R.A.F.). Then on top of all this goes our parachutes harness. Oh yes, we also wear our fur-lined flying boots. It makes us so fat we can hardly squeeze into the aircraft, but the worst part is trying to move around inside; the snaps of our harness get caught on every pipe and bit of wiring that is possible. Never-the-less, all this gear keeps us comfortably warm, so no one tries to dispense with any part of it. I'll send you some photos one of these days. I haven't sent you any lately, have I? Our trips usually last about 5 hours, so we take sandwiches, chocolate bars, raisins and thermos flasks of hot tea along. There never seems to be much left when we get back.
Doug and I are still a reserve crew so we haven't taken our aircraft on any raids yet. So far we have been changing about flying with other crews when one is sick or away on leave. Actually Doug is the Captain of our crew and I am 2nd pilot navigator - but it doesn't make any difference as we will change over in the air as 5 hours is a long time to sit at the wheel. All of our flying times go in our log books as first pilot was we are both 1st pilot night and day. We had our crew increased now so besides us, we have a sergeant observer who is a navigator and also operates the centre gun turret when it is lowered, 2 air gunners (front and rear) and a wireless. We have a new type of wireless installed in our planes now and it is very good. It can be over on a number of positions, so that all the crew can hear orders coming over the air, or so that the crew are in intercommunication and just the W/T operator can hear the wireless, and also so that the pilot can speak over the wireless, etc. Anyhow, it is much better then the old sets.
Since petrol rationing doesn't allow enough coupons to make it worth while keeping a car going, nearly everyone on the station secretly wangles their due share of aviation spirit. It sure is peppy dope - so they install a pair of check reins on the car just in case it tries to take off. If you know the ropes you can wangle nearly anything - petrol, oil, antifreeze, grease jobs, repair work and lots of other things - only you don't want to be caught openly - as King's Regulations say what you shouldn't or can't do legally.
I sent a whole bunch of Christmas cards again this year - I don't know why though - as none of the ones I sent last Christmas ever thought that I would at least like to get a card from them, except Mr. Laing and Dorothy. They are sending me some candy, cake and cigarettes - I guess the others haven't time to even say hello. They like to know what I am doing, etc. but they don't think I might like to hear from them. what has happened to Vernon, I haven't heard from him for some time.
In 2 of your letters, Mom, you have mentioned about me getting some stripes on my arm - 'at least one'- surely you must know that I have had a stripe for 16 months. I have only 8 months before I become a flying officer, then I have a wider stripe - about 3/4 of an inch. By that time I may even be Acting Flight-Lieutenant, which is 2 wide stripes - of course, that is being optimistic.
I played bridge last night with a squadron leader and a couple of flying officers and I just got drawn into another game tonight with the squadron leader, a civilian and a Lieutenant from the Army and did quite alright as we won the game also I am 1/16 (one shilling and sixpence) the richer.
It is a nearly 12 o'clock and I must go to bed as tomorrow night we are having a dinner dance here and also I am Squadron Duty Officer so I won't get much sleep.
I haven't received any parcels yet but they will quite likely be here in a couple of days. I haven't sent your parcels yet so I suppose they will be about a month late. I hope you don't mind too much as I don't get a chance to do much shopping. The shops are usually all closed by the time we get out of camp.
I didn't have any cranberries with my Christmas turkey but I'll bet you did, I wish I could have enjoyed Christmas dinner with you this year - I am getting hungry for a real meal.
Best Wishes for 1940.
As Ever, Love
Estelles
Marham
King's Lynn, Norfolk
December 30, 1939
Dear Folks:
Here it is almost another year, and I have been in England a year and a half. It has been quite an experience - more than I have had during any other 18 months in my life.
We have been having a few snow flurries but most of it melts so there is only a trace of snow on the ground, although the ground has been frozen for over a week, Some of the fellows here from Australia and New Zealand saw their first snow-fall the other day - it seems hard to believe. One of them was shuffling around in it and kicking it in the air, he thought it was great novelty. The fresh crisp air now is much more comfortable than the raw, damp weather we have been having.
I was supposed to go on another 'sweep' over the North Sea this morning in search of the German fleet but for some reason it was cancelled. We don't do any raids (this group) over German ports anymore; we are just doing coastal patrols and 'sweeps' or searches.
You ought to see us when we get all bundled up for a flight just like the fat teddy bears. We put our leather fur lined trousers and jackets. Over our jackets go our life saving jackets, which have inflatable linings (we call them 'Mae West' in the R.A.F.). Then on top of all this goes our parachutes harness. Oh yes, we also wear our fur-lined flying boots. It makes us so fat we can hardly squeeze into the aircraft, but the worst part is trying to move around inside; the snaps of our harness get caught on every pipe and bit of wiring that is possible. Never-the-less, all this gear keeps us comfortably warm, so no one tries to dispense with any part of it. I'll send you some photos one of these days. I haven't sent you any lately, have I? Our trips usually last about 5 hours, so we take sandwiches, chocolate bars, raisins and thermos flasks of hot tea along. There never seems to be much left when we get back.
Doug and I are still a reserve crew so we haven't taken our aircraft on any raids yet. So far we have been changing about flying with other crews when one is sick or away on leave. Actually Doug is the Captain of our crew and I am 2nd pilot navigator - but it doesn't make any difference as we will change over in the air as 5 hours is a long time to sit at the wheel. All of our flying times go in our log books as first pilot was we are both 1st pilot night and day. We had our crew increased now so besides us, we have a sergeant observer who is a navigator and also operates the centre gun turret when it is lowered, 2 air gunners (front and rear) and a wireless. We have a new type of wireless installed in our planes now and it is very good. It can be over on a number of positions, so that all the crew can hear orders coming over the air, or so that the crew are in intercommunication and just the W/T operator can hear the wireless, and also so that the pilot can speak over the wireless, etc. Anyhow, it is much better then the old sets.
Since petrol rationing doesn't allow enough coupons to make it worth while keeping a car going, nearly everyone on the station secretly wangles their due share of aviation spirit. It sure is peppy dope - so they install a pair of check reins on the car just in case it tries to take off. If you know the ropes you can wangle nearly anything - petrol, oil, antifreeze, grease jobs, repair work and lots of other things - only you don't want to be caught openly - as King's Regulations say what you shouldn't or can't do legally.
I sent a whole bunch of Christmas cards again this year - I don't know why though - as none of the ones I sent last Christmas ever thought that I would at least like to get a card from them, except Mr. Laing and Dorothy. They are sending me some candy, cake and cigarettes - I guess the others haven't time to even say hello. They like to know what I am doing, etc. but they don't think I might like to hear from them. what has happened to Vernon, I haven't heard from him for some time.
In 2 of your letters, Mom, you have mentioned about me getting some stripes on my arm - 'at least one'- surely you must know that I have had a stripe for 16 months. I have only 8 months before I become a flying officer, then I have a wider stripe - about 3/4 of an inch. By that time I may even be Acting Flight-Lieutenant, which is 2 wide stripes - of course, that is being optimistic.
I played bridge last night with a squadron leader and a couple of flying officers and I just got drawn into another game tonight with the squadron leader, a civilian and a Lieutenant from the Army and did quite alright as we won the game also I am 1/16 (one shilling and sixpence) the richer.
It is a nearly 12 o'clock and I must go to bed as tomorrow night we are having a dinner dance here and also I am Squadron Duty Officer so I won't get much sleep.
I haven't received any parcels yet but they will quite likely be here in a couple of days. I haven't sent your parcels yet so I suppose they will be about a month late. I hope you don't mind too much as I don't get a chance to do much shopping. The shops are usually all closed by the time we get out of camp.
I didn't have any cranberries with my Christmas turkey but I'll bet you did, I wish I could have enjoyed Christmas dinner with you this year - I am getting hungry for a real meal.
Best Wishes for 1940.
As Ever, Love
Estelles
Friday, December 19, 2014
World War II Letters Home December 19, 1939 - Estelles Wickenkamp
Royal Air Force
Marham
King's Lynn, Norfolk
December 19, 1939
Dear Esther:
I am afraid I haven't been keeping up my writing very regularly - It is the same old story - so much "flap" and duties that it is a bit hard to take time off. I am living in one of the rooms in a married officers block and it is a way from the mess so it isn't very convenient to run back and forth.
It doesn't look as if this Christmas is going to be much like the last one, but I guess it is no use complaining. Last week-end I spent a few days at Oxford with Renee and then we went to Bedford to Roddy Ross' wedding, where I was best man. After the wedding, Doug, Renee and I went to London, as that was the only way we could make train connections and we stayed there over night in the Strand Palace Hotel, which is a very nice place. Renee went home alone to Oxford and Doug and I caught the train back here.
I think I will be getting a 3 day leave at Christmas so I am going to spend it at Oxford, Oh yes, I meant to mention that Roddy and his crew went down somewhere Helogoland yesterday. Some of the crews of the different aircraft that wee lost have been rescued - that is - the ones that were still alive but Ii don't know whether he was one of them or not. Pretty tough on his wife. I have lost so many acquaintances and friends during the last week that I can hardly keep track of them. Most of them are scattered around at so many different stations that it is almost impossible to find out who doesn't return - that is, when all of them don't do so. Until lately we have been quite fortunate as all of the formations nearly always returned, but the last few days this Heligoland and Whilhelmshaven business has wiped out a big percentage of our aircraft and crews. Maybe it should be left alone for awhile until the "big bugs" think up a better scheme of attacking it.
I guess I had better lay off these war stories. I don't suppose you want to hear them or do you? As usual the papers are a lot of lies and propaganda - you can't believe half you read. They give vivid descriptions of all sorts of heroism's, cut our casualties in half and double our victories of the enemy. News is published about a week late if it manages to get past the censor. Three weeks after the first Canadian army contingent came over here it was made known publicly. I suppose all this is typical of the English press.
I am on duty in the operations room tonight - that is why I have time to write. I suppose you wonder what the operations room is, well, it is the headquarters for all our orders and information during the war. Each station has an operations room and each command (bomber, fighter, reconnaissance, etc.) has a controlled operational center, and of course the whole thing being controlled by the Air Ministry.
We often get called at 5:00 or 6:00 o'clock in the morning to standby for a raid or patrol upon an hours notice. Half of nearly all the time we just keep standing by all day and don't get out though. When we leave the station, which we may do every night, we have to leave an address, eg. Royal Cinema, pub or where ever we might be, so that we can be recalled within 2 hours. Generally when the crews are wanted back the local police give us their full co-operation and go around to all the cinema and pubs and chase everyone home. It is not very often anyone gets recalled at night though because our group is all day bombers, so we don't go on night raids.
We haven't had any air raids since I have been at this station but they are bound to come sooner or later - anyhow, let 'em come!
I have managed to get all my Christmas cards sent away the other day but I haven't been able to get any parcels mailed yet. I am afraid there won't be much in the line of presents for anyone this year - I find it so hard to think of anything that is worth sending - seeing how shipping and mail is so uncertain. I am going to write my bank and try to send you a monthly payment until I get straightened out. It seems to be a next to impossible to pay each months mess bill. I never spend much money but it sure seems to go.
This has the markings of a very morbid letter but I can't really think of anything funny to write about tonight - probably next time. My bed is right next to this desk here and the telephone switchboard is at my elbow so while everything is quiet I'll try to catch up on my sleep.
Try to drop me a letter, even if it is only one line, each week because it seems that I never get any mail any more.
By the time you get this you most likely will have finished celebrating the New Year - anyhow I hope you have a swell time.
Best Wishes and Love
Your Brother
Estelles
Marham
King's Lynn, Norfolk
December 19, 1939
Dear Esther:
I am afraid I haven't been keeping up my writing very regularly - It is the same old story - so much "flap" and duties that it is a bit hard to take time off. I am living in one of the rooms in a married officers block and it is a way from the mess so it isn't very convenient to run back and forth.
It doesn't look as if this Christmas is going to be much like the last one, but I guess it is no use complaining. Last week-end I spent a few days at Oxford with Renee and then we went to Bedford to Roddy Ross' wedding, where I was best man. After the wedding, Doug, Renee and I went to London, as that was the only way we could make train connections and we stayed there over night in the Strand Palace Hotel, which is a very nice place. Renee went home alone to Oxford and Doug and I caught the train back here.
I think I will be getting a 3 day leave at Christmas so I am going to spend it at Oxford, Oh yes, I meant to mention that Roddy and his crew went down somewhere Helogoland yesterday. Some of the crews of the different aircraft that wee lost have been rescued - that is - the ones that were still alive but Ii don't know whether he was one of them or not. Pretty tough on his wife. I have lost so many acquaintances and friends during the last week that I can hardly keep track of them. Most of them are scattered around at so many different stations that it is almost impossible to find out who doesn't return - that is, when all of them don't do so. Until lately we have been quite fortunate as all of the formations nearly always returned, but the last few days this Heligoland and Whilhelmshaven business has wiped out a big percentage of our aircraft and crews. Maybe it should be left alone for awhile until the "big bugs" think up a better scheme of attacking it.
I guess I had better lay off these war stories. I don't suppose you want to hear them or do you? As usual the papers are a lot of lies and propaganda - you can't believe half you read. They give vivid descriptions of all sorts of heroism's, cut our casualties in half and double our victories of the enemy. News is published about a week late if it manages to get past the censor. Three weeks after the first Canadian army contingent came over here it was made known publicly. I suppose all this is typical of the English press.
I am on duty in the operations room tonight - that is why I have time to write. I suppose you wonder what the operations room is, well, it is the headquarters for all our orders and information during the war. Each station has an operations room and each command (bomber, fighter, reconnaissance, etc.) has a controlled operational center, and of course the whole thing being controlled by the Air Ministry.
We often get called at 5:00 or 6:00 o'clock in the morning to standby for a raid or patrol upon an hours notice. Half of nearly all the time we just keep standing by all day and don't get out though. When we leave the station, which we may do every night, we have to leave an address, eg. Royal Cinema, pub or where ever we might be, so that we can be recalled within 2 hours. Generally when the crews are wanted back the local police give us their full co-operation and go around to all the cinema and pubs and chase everyone home. It is not very often anyone gets recalled at night though because our group is all day bombers, so we don't go on night raids.
We haven't had any air raids since I have been at this station but they are bound to come sooner or later - anyhow, let 'em come!
I have managed to get all my Christmas cards sent away the other day but I haven't been able to get any parcels mailed yet. I am afraid there won't be much in the line of presents for anyone this year - I find it so hard to think of anything that is worth sending - seeing how shipping and mail is so uncertain. I am going to write my bank and try to send you a monthly payment until I get straightened out. It seems to be a next to impossible to pay each months mess bill. I never spend much money but it sure seems to go.
This has the markings of a very morbid letter but I can't really think of anything funny to write about tonight - probably next time. My bed is right next to this desk here and the telephone switchboard is at my elbow so while everything is quiet I'll try to catch up on my sleep.
Try to drop me a letter, even if it is only one line, each week because it seems that I never get any mail any more.
By the time you get this you most likely will have finished celebrating the New Year - anyhow I hope you have a swell time.
Best Wishes and Love
Your Brother
Estelles
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
World War II Letters Home October 29, 1939 - Estelles Wickenkamp
Officers' Mess
Royal Air Force Station
Harwell Didcot, Berks
October 29, 1939
Dear Esther:
I hope you can excuse and forgive me for not writing sooner and more often. Actually the last fortnight has been a busy one.
We spent a week at Blackpool - the famous summer resort - doing air firing and drogues towed behind other aircraft, low flying and night flying, cross country trips, all of them. In fact our time is so filled up that I haven't even been able to manage any supper, fly, fly, fly. Of course I suppose you think that surely I must have had a few minutes off each day to at least write a short letter - well, that is true but when you have an hour or 2 to spare you're just too tired to bother writing.
I know you can't appreciate the fact but from 6 to 11 hours flying a day is more tiring and more of a mental strain than even we realize. A couple hours instrument or night flying alone is equal to a days' work. The night before last I was flying for over 4 hours on a long cross-country and during the flight we got into a cloud and iced up at 6,00 feet - I couldn't come down below the clouds as the base was too low and we were over hilly country and I couldn't climb as I didn't know how high the clouds were (I found out afterwards the were only 9,000 feet) so after flying blind for some time I decided to turn back and eventually got in the clear; even than it took some minutes before the ice melted of the cabin windows so that I could see the moon again. Anyhow, by dodging about I managed to get above the clouds and get over the sea north of Cornwall - where we dropped flame floats and found the wind speed and direction. When we got back in the vicinity of our base speed and directions. When we got back in the vicinity of our base here the sky was completely overcast and clouds down to about 300 feet. The W/T operator got a D/F bearing (direction-finding) and we got over the aerodrome and just managed to spot the landing beacon, so I came down through the fog and greased a 3-pointer on the deck. I was plenty cold and tired, I can tell you.
In our altitude flying we go up to 20,000 feet and of course use oxygen; as a matter of interest, the last trip I was on, we found the wind to be nearly 1000 m.p.h. from north, also the thermometer registered -33 C, which I think is somewhere around 30 or 40 below Fahrenheit - anyhow, it was a bit chilly sitting still all of 4 hours, in spite of our feather flying kit which is fur lined.
The squadron leader who is O.C. of our flight says that this coming week we are going to do still more flying per day than before - so I can see where I am going to pile up a few hours. I am now 1st pilot day and night on Wellingtons.
Well, I guess I've shot enough line about myself for now and since today, is Sunday and we're not flying, I shall spend the afternoon in the company of a beautiful young maiden, who happens to be "It" - if you don't mind.
I have realized for the last week or so that in a few days (from now) it will be Richard's, yours, Mama's and my birthday (pretty good of me even to remember - I think!) I had planned in the pas to get a good R.A.F. pin for you and Mom, but as I have been unable to get into a store, while it is open, for so long I have been unable to do so - but I do hereby solemnly declare that I shall not disappoint you much longer.
I have been trying to save up enough money to pay my overdue debt to you but now that the pound has decreased in value it means I have to add another 20% to get the original value, also sign numerous declarations, etc., why the money is being sent out of England. I am afraid I have turned out to be a bad liability and I feel rotten about it all, as I have not lived up to even my expectations, but I am doing my best to build up the reserve.
I have rather missed the point - what I started to say was that although I am late, I hope you had a very happy birthday and my best wishes that you may enjoy many more of them.
Renee (that's the big moment I told you about) has made me a huge fruit cake for my birthday, but if I remember correctly, she still doesn't know how many candles to put on it - that will probably shock here when she finds out. I am enclosing a snap, it blurred a bit, I don't know whether she moved her head of what, but the picture does her injustice, as I can assure you, my dear.
I suppose you think I must be screwball by some of my letters but It must be just the mood I am in or something.
Also, I am enclosing my 2nd navigator's ticket. You can send it home to Mom after you get it. it looks like a very ordinary piece of paper but I've worked hard for it.
Well, Sis, this will positively have to be all for now, but I'll try to be a little more prompt after this, as I really look forward to your letters.
Lots of Love From Your Brother
Estelles
Royal Air Force Station
Harwell Didcot, Berks
October 29, 1939
Dear Esther:
I hope you can excuse and forgive me for not writing sooner and more often. Actually the last fortnight has been a busy one.
We spent a week at Blackpool - the famous summer resort - doing air firing and drogues towed behind other aircraft, low flying and night flying, cross country trips, all of them. In fact our time is so filled up that I haven't even been able to manage any supper, fly, fly, fly. Of course I suppose you think that surely I must have had a few minutes off each day to at least write a short letter - well, that is true but when you have an hour or 2 to spare you're just too tired to bother writing.
I know you can't appreciate the fact but from 6 to 11 hours flying a day is more tiring and more of a mental strain than even we realize. A couple hours instrument or night flying alone is equal to a days' work. The night before last I was flying for over 4 hours on a long cross-country and during the flight we got into a cloud and iced up at 6,00 feet - I couldn't come down below the clouds as the base was too low and we were over hilly country and I couldn't climb as I didn't know how high the clouds were (I found out afterwards the were only 9,000 feet) so after flying blind for some time I decided to turn back and eventually got in the clear; even than it took some minutes before the ice melted of the cabin windows so that I could see the moon again. Anyhow, by dodging about I managed to get above the clouds and get over the sea north of Cornwall - where we dropped flame floats and found the wind speed and direction. When we got back in the vicinity of our base speed and directions. When we got back in the vicinity of our base here the sky was completely overcast and clouds down to about 300 feet. The W/T operator got a D/F bearing (direction-finding) and we got over the aerodrome and just managed to spot the landing beacon, so I came down through the fog and greased a 3-pointer on the deck. I was plenty cold and tired, I can tell you.
In our altitude flying we go up to 20,000 feet and of course use oxygen; as a matter of interest, the last trip I was on, we found the wind to be nearly 1000 m.p.h. from north, also the thermometer registered -33 C, which I think is somewhere around 30 or 40 below Fahrenheit - anyhow, it was a bit chilly sitting still all of 4 hours, in spite of our feather flying kit which is fur lined.
The squadron leader who is O.C. of our flight says that this coming week we are going to do still more flying per day than before - so I can see where I am going to pile up a few hours. I am now 1st pilot day and night on Wellingtons.
Well, I guess I've shot enough line about myself for now and since today, is Sunday and we're not flying, I shall spend the afternoon in the company of a beautiful young maiden, who happens to be "It" - if you don't mind.
I have realized for the last week or so that in a few days (from now) it will be Richard's, yours, Mama's and my birthday (pretty good of me even to remember - I think!) I had planned in the pas to get a good R.A.F. pin for you and Mom, but as I have been unable to get into a store, while it is open, for so long I have been unable to do so - but I do hereby solemnly declare that I shall not disappoint you much longer.
I have been trying to save up enough money to pay my overdue debt to you but now that the pound has decreased in value it means I have to add another 20% to get the original value, also sign numerous declarations, etc., why the money is being sent out of England. I am afraid I have turned out to be a bad liability and I feel rotten about it all, as I have not lived up to even my expectations, but I am doing my best to build up the reserve.
I have rather missed the point - what I started to say was that although I am late, I hope you had a very happy birthday and my best wishes that you may enjoy many more of them.
Renee (that's the big moment I told you about) has made me a huge fruit cake for my birthday, but if I remember correctly, she still doesn't know how many candles to put on it - that will probably shock here when she finds out. I am enclosing a snap, it blurred a bit, I don't know whether she moved her head of what, but the picture does her injustice, as I can assure you, my dear.
I suppose you think I must be screwball by some of my letters but It must be just the mood I am in or something.
Also, I am enclosing my 2nd navigator's ticket. You can send it home to Mom after you get it. it looks like a very ordinary piece of paper but I've worked hard for it.
Well, Sis, this will positively have to be all for now, but I'll try to be a little more prompt after this, as I really look forward to your letters.
Lots of Love From Your Brother
Estelles
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
World War II Letters Home September, 1939 - Estelles Wickenkamp
Royal Air Force Station
Harwell
Didcot, Berks
September 1939
Dear Folks:
I have made another unexpected move so I suppose my mail will be trying to catch up with me from Thornaby or Stradishall. When I was at Thornaby I got word to go back to Stradishall so bundled up all my trunks and clothes and took the train back. This was after war was declared so i was 1st class coach. Going up there I went in civies so had to go 3rd class and the train was so packed with people evacuating London that I had to stand most of the way which was over 200 miles. I got back at midnight on Friday night and found that both squadrons on our station and all the men and planes had moved down here at Harwell, so Saturday Doug and I came down here in the care. We left our luggage there as it was to come by transport lorry the same day. Well, I have been here about a week and 1 suitcase and one trunk arrived yesterday, and there is still 1 of my trunks missing. So now I have my hands full trying to locate it. I have just phoned up the stores officer at Stradishall and told him to see whether it was left there or whether it had been sent, as he is in charge of the rear party he should know something about it - but I doubt it. If he can't find it then the transport drivers will have to do some explaining. I hate to lose it as the trunk cost me 3, my great coat 8 and there is my raincoat, dressing grown, flying log book, my picture albums, King's Regulations, Air Force Law, etc. and I don't know what else. I have been going to insure my kit but I kept putting it off, now it is probably too late but I think I can trace it up some way or other.
I did my first actual flying in a Wellington a few days ago. The instructor took off and landed, and then we changed seats and I took off and landed 5 times and did a few steep turns, etc. to get the feel of it. So actually I went solo without any dual which makes me feel real proud of myself as it is nearly 6 months since I have even taken an aircraft off the ground. I mad good take-offs and literally greased them on the deck in landing. I was afraid that my conception of height when coming into land would be all haywire as that's what happened to some of the other boys; they were either holding off too high or else hitting the deck, but I seemed to manage o.k. It seems funny flying a Wellington as hey are so heavy and large and with a lot of different gadgets in the office; it takes a bit of concentration to see that all the levers and buttons are set. In another fortnight I will be 1st day and 1st night pilot on them. I will have about 20 hours day and 10 night. These Wellingtons carry 16-500 pound bombs or a corresponding weight of larger or smaller bombs. I didn't think that they would carry that big a load. We will eventually be getting a Wellington that is 12 feet longer than the present one and it will have twice as powerful motors in it, 2,000 h.p. each.
I suppose you have read about the Kiel Canal episode - there has been more news released about it today. I don't know whether it was in the paper or not about the plane that flew all round the German harbours, the Elbe and other estuaries, but that aeroplane was Lockheed 14 and I plotted their courses for them when I was at Thornaby. They had 3 German twin engine fighters after them but got away without much trouble as the Lockheed was up to 20,000 feet and the fighters had to climb up t get it. the pilot in this reconnaissance plane just put the nose down a bit and opened 'er up - knocking off 300 m.p.h.. I saw the original photographs and they were good - you wouldn't think there would be so much picture from such a height but all the details showed up clearly. A lot of our army troops and medium single, twin-engine bombers are stationed over in France now and with the aid of the French Army and Air force they are giving Hitler a merry chase - he had to break up his forces to protect the western defences, so now the Poles are starting to get their own back. If Hitler lives long enough he will see his hard work of Nazism completely wiped out of history, as it is a definite bye word that Britain and France will not stop until his sort of diplomatic program is banished forever.
The British Fleet have stopped a lot of imports from going into Germany and in a short time Germany will be starving even more than they are now, which is bad enough.
Apparently the pamphlet dropping over Berlin and Germany didn't do much good to turn the people against Hitler enough to cause a rebellion of any sort, unless that is to come yet- who knows? Five of these campaigns were made and not a plane failed to come back. It has been found out that the wonderful air force Hitler thought he had, isn't up to much. That is one reason why he hasn't sent any over England - with our anti-aircraft defense and our home defense fighting squadrons there would be a high rate of loss to any fighters coming over. It was rumored - I don't know but it may be true, that one German raid was carried out over England - if it was, there weren't any bombs dropped, so it wasn't a very successful one.
Al the picture shows were closed down but now they are opening up again. Radio programs are going on somewhat the same as usual, although a lot of records are being played.
I have been in Oxford several evenings and about all you see is uniforms; the do; everything from working on the farm, nurses, bus and lorry drivers, Territorial Army and there is even a Women's Reserve Air Force and Naval Reserve.
I made a couple of trios to a small country estate near Uxbridge which is Bomber Commmands' new war headquarters, to get some secret. I had to go armed with a 45 automatic. There are a lot of spies about so no one, even in uniform is trusted. A couple of spies were thrown in the coop at Bury St. Edmunds just before we moved down here - they are scattered all over the country especially around aerodromes, so now we have so many armed guards around camp it is almost unsafe to walk around at night for fear of getting a bayonet poked into one's ribs.
We have a little bell-boy in the mess who answers telephone calls and chases up anyone wanted - he wears a smart green uniform. I think he was an usher in one of the cinemas before they closed down. Anyhow, he is kept quite busy around here.
I am Orderly Officer today so I have to be continually dashing about the camp inspecting this and that - also have to tote around my war harness and cannon.
Did I tell you about this blackout business over here? Boy, it's so dark in the towns and cities that you think you are in some one's cellar, even traffic lights are screened so that only a faint pin point of light shows up. Doors and windows are blacked and most of the large or important buildings are banked up with sandbags. Unless you know where a place is, you are quit unlikely to find it at night.
Well, is is just after 4 o'clock so I have to go and inspect the air men's teas. I tore a strip of some of the air men's cooks and waiters this noon for serving food out wearing dirty jackets - they are supposed to be white but they might have been anything but, the way they looked when I saw them. I'll bet they won't be dirty when I go in there now - they probably think I am a slave driver but you have to chase them around, otherwise they get too self-important or should I say very slack. the main thing is to feed them well and make them step lively - it keeps them out of mischief.
I will mail this now and will write again on Sunday or Monday. Don't worry about me - I'm o.k.
All My Love,
Estelles
Harwell
Didcot, Berks
September 1939
Dear Folks:
I have made another unexpected move so I suppose my mail will be trying to catch up with me from Thornaby or Stradishall. When I was at Thornaby I got word to go back to Stradishall so bundled up all my trunks and clothes and took the train back. This was after war was declared so i was 1st class coach. Going up there I went in civies so had to go 3rd class and the train was so packed with people evacuating London that I had to stand most of the way which was over 200 miles. I got back at midnight on Friday night and found that both squadrons on our station and all the men and planes had moved down here at Harwell, so Saturday Doug and I came down here in the care. We left our luggage there as it was to come by transport lorry the same day. Well, I have been here about a week and 1 suitcase and one trunk arrived yesterday, and there is still 1 of my trunks missing. So now I have my hands full trying to locate it. I have just phoned up the stores officer at Stradishall and told him to see whether it was left there or whether it had been sent, as he is in charge of the rear party he should know something about it - but I doubt it. If he can't find it then the transport drivers will have to do some explaining. I hate to lose it as the trunk cost me 3, my great coat 8 and there is my raincoat, dressing grown, flying log book, my picture albums, King's Regulations, Air Force Law, etc. and I don't know what else. I have been going to insure my kit but I kept putting it off, now it is probably too late but I think I can trace it up some way or other.
I did my first actual flying in a Wellington a few days ago. The instructor took off and landed, and then we changed seats and I took off and landed 5 times and did a few steep turns, etc. to get the feel of it. So actually I went solo without any dual which makes me feel real proud of myself as it is nearly 6 months since I have even taken an aircraft off the ground. I mad good take-offs and literally greased them on the deck in landing. I was afraid that my conception of height when coming into land would be all haywire as that's what happened to some of the other boys; they were either holding off too high or else hitting the deck, but I seemed to manage o.k. It seems funny flying a Wellington as hey are so heavy and large and with a lot of different gadgets in the office; it takes a bit of concentration to see that all the levers and buttons are set. In another fortnight I will be 1st day and 1st night pilot on them. I will have about 20 hours day and 10 night. These Wellingtons carry 16-500 pound bombs or a corresponding weight of larger or smaller bombs. I didn't think that they would carry that big a load. We will eventually be getting a Wellington that is 12 feet longer than the present one and it will have twice as powerful motors in it, 2,000 h.p. each.
I suppose you have read about the Kiel Canal episode - there has been more news released about it today. I don't know whether it was in the paper or not about the plane that flew all round the German harbours, the Elbe and other estuaries, but that aeroplane was Lockheed 14 and I plotted their courses for them when I was at Thornaby. They had 3 German twin engine fighters after them but got away without much trouble as the Lockheed was up to 20,000 feet and the fighters had to climb up t get it. the pilot in this reconnaissance plane just put the nose down a bit and opened 'er up - knocking off 300 m.p.h.. I saw the original photographs and they were good - you wouldn't think there would be so much picture from such a height but all the details showed up clearly. A lot of our army troops and medium single, twin-engine bombers are stationed over in France now and with the aid of the French Army and Air force they are giving Hitler a merry chase - he had to break up his forces to protect the western defences, so now the Poles are starting to get their own back. If Hitler lives long enough he will see his hard work of Nazism completely wiped out of history, as it is a definite bye word that Britain and France will not stop until his sort of diplomatic program is banished forever.
The British Fleet have stopped a lot of imports from going into Germany and in a short time Germany will be starving even more than they are now, which is bad enough.
Apparently the pamphlet dropping over Berlin and Germany didn't do much good to turn the people against Hitler enough to cause a rebellion of any sort, unless that is to come yet- who knows? Five of these campaigns were made and not a plane failed to come back. It has been found out that the wonderful air force Hitler thought he had, isn't up to much. That is one reason why he hasn't sent any over England - with our anti-aircraft defense and our home defense fighting squadrons there would be a high rate of loss to any fighters coming over. It was rumored - I don't know but it may be true, that one German raid was carried out over England - if it was, there weren't any bombs dropped, so it wasn't a very successful one.
Al the picture shows were closed down but now they are opening up again. Radio programs are going on somewhat the same as usual, although a lot of records are being played.
I have been in Oxford several evenings and about all you see is uniforms; the do; everything from working on the farm, nurses, bus and lorry drivers, Territorial Army and there is even a Women's Reserve Air Force and Naval Reserve.
I made a couple of trios to a small country estate near Uxbridge which is Bomber Commmands' new war headquarters, to get some secret. I had to go armed with a 45 automatic. There are a lot of spies about so no one, even in uniform is trusted. A couple of spies were thrown in the coop at Bury St. Edmunds just before we moved down here - they are scattered all over the country especially around aerodromes, so now we have so many armed guards around camp it is almost unsafe to walk around at night for fear of getting a bayonet poked into one's ribs.
We have a little bell-boy in the mess who answers telephone calls and chases up anyone wanted - he wears a smart green uniform. I think he was an usher in one of the cinemas before they closed down. Anyhow, he is kept quite busy around here.
I am Orderly Officer today so I have to be continually dashing about the camp inspecting this and that - also have to tote around my war harness and cannon.
Did I tell you about this blackout business over here? Boy, it's so dark in the towns and cities that you think you are in some one's cellar, even traffic lights are screened so that only a faint pin point of light shows up. Doors and windows are blacked and most of the large or important buildings are banked up with sandbags. Unless you know where a place is, you are quit unlikely to find it at night.
Well, is is just after 4 o'clock so I have to go and inspect the air men's teas. I tore a strip of some of the air men's cooks and waiters this noon for serving food out wearing dirty jackets - they are supposed to be white but they might have been anything but, the way they looked when I saw them. I'll bet they won't be dirty when I go in there now - they probably think I am a slave driver but you have to chase them around, otherwise they get too self-important or should I say very slack. the main thing is to feed them well and make them step lively - it keeps them out of mischief.
I will mail this now and will write again on Sunday or Monday. Don't worry about me - I'm o.k.
All My Love,
Estelles
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
World War II Letters Home September 3, 1939 - Estelles Wickenkamp
Royal Air Force
Stockton - on - Tees
Yorkshire
September 3 ,1939
Dear Folks:
I have just finished dinner do thought I would write a little news before I went to bed as I got off night duty at 6 o'clock this morning and am going on again at 6 this afternoon.
I suppose the big news is rebroadcast there almost immediately after we hear it so I don't need to write about it. At 11:00 a.m. the Prime Minister issued a proclamation in view of the ultimatum which was given Germany, that "a state of war exists."
I don't suppose I shall be doing any flying for a while at least not as long as i am working in operations room. Every morning about 5 or 6 o'clock we send out a dawn patrol of 9 Ansons on Reconnaissance. They are on the look-out for all activities in the North Sea. They leave the coast here and fly on parallel tracks about 6 miles apart for 160 miles out and then return. The whole coast is patrolled in this way. The crews are trained so that they can recognize at a glance what type of class any ship is that they see and how many and what size guns it carries. They are able to do this depending on the visibility of course, up to a distance of 10 miles and from height up to 12,000 feet. These fellows know all the fleets of every country.
We are all packing up our civilian clothes as we will only be wearing uniforms from now on. We also have to have with us at all times our gas masks and anti-gas clothing which is a rubber cap, coat, eye shields and a can of anti-gas ointment. The reason for the waterproof equipment is that some of the gases, including mustard gas, comes in liquid form and has great penetrating powers; it even soaks through leather and wood. Gas attacks aren't very likely but at least it is a protection.
Every night is a black out. All street lights and other visible lights in buildings are put out or else the windows, etc. have to be covered sot that not a ray of light escapes. Cars crawl around using their park lights that are half covered over; some of the cares use their head lamps but these are covered with cardboard of black paint so that only small slits light the road. Trains, buses, and trolleys all have their windows painted over so you can hardly see them, except for a faint orange or blue light.
There is a balloon barrage (or was, I mean) of 8 balloons about 4 miles from here over Middlesboro and yesterday when we were having tea we also had a thunderstorm. Of course everyone was watching the balloons when it started to lightning and we weren't disappointed. Inside of 15 minutes 6 balloons were struck; I saw 2 strikes and they went down in flames. The operators couldn't get in the lorries to wind the cables in because the lightning naturally coming down the cables would at least have given them a bad jolt, so nothing could be done about it. I didn't read anything about it in the papers this morning - probably they aren't publishing that sort of news now. The balloons were nearly a mile high and were filled with hydrogen so they made a large blaze as they sank.
Stockton - on - Tees
Yorkshire
September 3 ,1939
Dear Folks:
I have just finished dinner do thought I would write a little news before I went to bed as I got off night duty at 6 o'clock this morning and am going on again at 6 this afternoon.
I suppose the big news is rebroadcast there almost immediately after we hear it so I don't need to write about it. At 11:00 a.m. the Prime Minister issued a proclamation in view of the ultimatum which was given Germany, that "a state of war exists."
I don't suppose I shall be doing any flying for a while at least not as long as i am working in operations room. Every morning about 5 or 6 o'clock we send out a dawn patrol of 9 Ansons on Reconnaissance. They are on the look-out for all activities in the North Sea. They leave the coast here and fly on parallel tracks about 6 miles apart for 160 miles out and then return. The whole coast is patrolled in this way. The crews are trained so that they can recognize at a glance what type of class any ship is that they see and how many and what size guns it carries. They are able to do this depending on the visibility of course, up to a distance of 10 miles and from height up to 12,000 feet. These fellows know all the fleets of every country.
We are all packing up our civilian clothes as we will only be wearing uniforms from now on. We also have to have with us at all times our gas masks and anti-gas clothing which is a rubber cap, coat, eye shields and a can of anti-gas ointment. The reason for the waterproof equipment is that some of the gases, including mustard gas, comes in liquid form and has great penetrating powers; it even soaks through leather and wood. Gas attacks aren't very likely but at least it is a protection.
Every night is a black out. All street lights and other visible lights in buildings are put out or else the windows, etc. have to be covered sot that not a ray of light escapes. Cars crawl around using their park lights that are half covered over; some of the cares use their head lamps but these are covered with cardboard of black paint so that only small slits light the road. Trains, buses, and trolleys all have their windows painted over so you can hardly see them, except for a faint orange or blue light.
There is a balloon barrage (or was, I mean) of 8 balloons about 4 miles from here over Middlesboro and yesterday when we were having tea we also had a thunderstorm. Of course everyone was watching the balloons when it started to lightning and we weren't disappointed. Inside of 15 minutes 6 balloons were struck; I saw 2 strikes and they went down in flames. The operators couldn't get in the lorries to wind the cables in because the lightning naturally coming down the cables would at least have given them a bad jolt, so nothing could be done about it. I didn't read anything about it in the papers this morning - probably they aren't publishing that sort of news now. The balloons were nearly a mile high and were filled with hydrogen so they made a large blaze as they sank.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
World War II Letters Home August 27, 1939 - Estelles Wickenkamp
Thornaby, Yorkshire
August 27, 1939
Dear Folks:
I am writing this to all of you as I don't know whether Mamma is home again or not. I wrote in my last letter that I might be coming up here and sure enough I did. A young Scotsman came up with me. We traveled by train and what a jam! The train was about a quarter of a mile long and filled with people so that we and many others had no seat. I think most of them were people evacuating London. Every time ride in a train over in this country I hate them a little worse. It is just like riding behind the harrow in dry weather; every thing you see and touch is grime and soot. To make matters worse this whole north country is a manufacturing area. All the buildings are black and the sky is so full of smoke and fog that there is no such thing as a clear day, just a sort of semi-darkness all the time. Another remarkable thing about England in general is that a place the size of Canora instead of about 1,6000 people has around 16,000. It seems unbelievable.
I guess I am rambling off the track a bit. So to continue. This station is actually in the middle of a number of towns. There is a main street running just past my window. It seems funny to be able to step out of the camp gates and be right in town, especially after being in Honington and Stradishall where were about 10 miles from any sort of villate. Everything on this camp is a jumble. I don't know where north of south is (not having seen the sun) and finding your way through the maze of buildings here is more than a feat. The organization here is also in turmoil. The 2 squadrons of Hampdens that were here have moved out and a G.R. (General Reconnaisance) squadron of Ansons have moved in. They are expecting to get some American Lockheed Electras or 14's for G.R work but it is hard to say when. Probably I should explain just what a G.R. squadron is for. Well, most of their work is coastal patrols/ They spot submarines and ships etc. and are also an aid to our battle. by locating enemy ships' direction, speed, and number, etc. and send by wireless (in code) this information to G.R. aircraft dropping bombs on them, also we have torpedo dive bombers that carry a 1,000 lb. torpedo which will practically go through a battle ship and sort of eradicate it.
I am gradually getting around to where I come in. As you should realize there is a very carefully planned organization of G.R. movements and tactics. This is all planned in the operations room, where they are constantly in touch with the aircraft and their movements. In the operations room all messages are received from and sent to aircraft. In the first place aircraft aren't sent out in aimless directions. Patrols and searches of a definite character are plotted for a formation or a single aircraft to carry out. The time to turn back or alter course and time of arrival back at base are all calculated for them. Since I have had a navigation course that is part of my job. We work 6 hours and are off 12 hours then on duty again for 6 hours etc., at least that is what we are supposed to do, as yet we are just sitting around waiting for instructions to go to work. In the R.A.F. things are always in a state of indefinite decisions. The Air Ministry will tell you to do something and when you go to do it - no one else know anything about it. Typical of schemes controlled by the Government.
According to the paper, train service and merchant ships are under government control now. Ration cards are being issued; A.R.P. trenches being dug, evacuation taking place, troops are moving all over, "black outs" every night, etc., etc. People all seem quite busy doing one thing or another - but still very few expect there will be a war. I don't think so myself. I believe something is going to fall to pieces in Germany. The Russians and the Japs are having it out and things in general don't seem to be hitching very well.
What is doing on the farm now, and how the crops look? Are you going to stack the grain this year or thresh it out of the field? I suppose since you haven't had an awful lot of rain that the lake if fairly low again, or has it gone dry? Have the ducks started to come back yet or is it too early? How is Paul M. getting along - is he back to normal yet? What are Pat and Paul Gogol doing? Do they still live down in the same old shacks or have they moved out? I guess that is enough questions for a while.
Oh yes, Richard, will you scrounge around and find all the old stamps you can, preferably some that are on letters and parcels from about 1920 is possible. There are several very enthusiastic stamp collectors in camp (at Stradishall). Also get those other large denomination stamps of the issue that those were that you have already sent.
I'll send some more magazines as soon as I get back to Stradishall. You might send me a Chicago Herald some time if you get one, don't forget to include the comics as they don't have them here.
I'll let you know my next letter how my work up here is getting on.
Don't put 75 Squadron on my address as squadron numbers are not to be published any more, just address it to me at R.A.F Station, Stradishall, Newmarket, Suffolk. If you put P.O. on they will know that it goes to officers' mess.
Love,
Estelles
August 27, 1939
Dear Folks:
I am writing this to all of you as I don't know whether Mamma is home again or not. I wrote in my last letter that I might be coming up here and sure enough I did. A young Scotsman came up with me. We traveled by train and what a jam! The train was about a quarter of a mile long and filled with people so that we and many others had no seat. I think most of them were people evacuating London. Every time ride in a train over in this country I hate them a little worse. It is just like riding behind the harrow in dry weather; every thing you see and touch is grime and soot. To make matters worse this whole north country is a manufacturing area. All the buildings are black and the sky is so full of smoke and fog that there is no such thing as a clear day, just a sort of semi-darkness all the time. Another remarkable thing about England in general is that a place the size of Canora instead of about 1,6000 people has around 16,000. It seems unbelievable.
I guess I am rambling off the track a bit. So to continue. This station is actually in the middle of a number of towns. There is a main street running just past my window. It seems funny to be able to step out of the camp gates and be right in town, especially after being in Honington and Stradishall where were about 10 miles from any sort of villate. Everything on this camp is a jumble. I don't know where north of south is (not having seen the sun) and finding your way through the maze of buildings here is more than a feat. The organization here is also in turmoil. The 2 squadrons of Hampdens that were here have moved out and a G.R. (General Reconnaisance) squadron of Ansons have moved in. They are expecting to get some American Lockheed Electras or 14's for G.R work but it is hard to say when. Probably I should explain just what a G.R. squadron is for. Well, most of their work is coastal patrols/ They spot submarines and ships etc. and are also an aid to our battle. by locating enemy ships' direction, speed, and number, etc. and send by wireless (in code) this information to G.R. aircraft dropping bombs on them, also we have torpedo dive bombers that carry a 1,000 lb. torpedo which will practically go through a battle ship and sort of eradicate it.
I am gradually getting around to where I come in. As you should realize there is a very carefully planned organization of G.R. movements and tactics. This is all planned in the operations room, where they are constantly in touch with the aircraft and their movements. In the operations room all messages are received from and sent to aircraft. In the first place aircraft aren't sent out in aimless directions. Patrols and searches of a definite character are plotted for a formation or a single aircraft to carry out. The time to turn back or alter course and time of arrival back at base are all calculated for them. Since I have had a navigation course that is part of my job. We work 6 hours and are off 12 hours then on duty again for 6 hours etc., at least that is what we are supposed to do, as yet we are just sitting around waiting for instructions to go to work. In the R.A.F. things are always in a state of indefinite decisions. The Air Ministry will tell you to do something and when you go to do it - no one else know anything about it. Typical of schemes controlled by the Government.
According to the paper, train service and merchant ships are under government control now. Ration cards are being issued; A.R.P. trenches being dug, evacuation taking place, troops are moving all over, "black outs" every night, etc., etc. People all seem quite busy doing one thing or another - but still very few expect there will be a war. I don't think so myself. I believe something is going to fall to pieces in Germany. The Russians and the Japs are having it out and things in general don't seem to be hitching very well.
What is doing on the farm now, and how the crops look? Are you going to stack the grain this year or thresh it out of the field? I suppose since you haven't had an awful lot of rain that the lake if fairly low again, or has it gone dry? Have the ducks started to come back yet or is it too early? How is Paul M. getting along - is he back to normal yet? What are Pat and Paul Gogol doing? Do they still live down in the same old shacks or have they moved out? I guess that is enough questions for a while.
Oh yes, Richard, will you scrounge around and find all the old stamps you can, preferably some that are on letters and parcels from about 1920 is possible. There are several very enthusiastic stamp collectors in camp (at Stradishall). Also get those other large denomination stamps of the issue that those were that you have already sent.
I'll send some more magazines as soon as I get back to Stradishall. You might send me a Chicago Herald some time if you get one, don't forget to include the comics as they don't have them here.
I'll let you know my next letter how my work up here is getting on.
Don't put 75 Squadron on my address as squadron numbers are not to be published any more, just address it to me at R.A.F Station, Stradishall, Newmarket, Suffolk. If you put P.O. on they will know that it goes to officers' mess.
Love,
Estelles
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
World War II Letters Home August 20, 1939 - Estelles Wickenkamp
Officer's Mess
Royal Air Force Station
Stradishall, Newmarket
August 20, 1939
Dear: Dad and Richard:
I guess it is about time that I wrote again. I am glad to hear that the crops are still o.k. and didn't get hailed out or burned up. You must be getting to be quite a cook - canning fruit and peas, etc. How does the garden look - has it been alright or was it too dry? I suppose during this hot weather the lake is quite a favorite sport. especially on Sundays. We have been having terribly hot and close weather here for the last couple weeks. There is a bit of a breeze today, so it isn't too bad.
I am Orderly Officer this week-end so I have to stay in camp, otherwise I would be at the bathing pool at Newmarket or the river at Burlwell.
WEDNESDAY 23RD
Sorry I didn't get this finished the other day but as I have been so busy lately, I couldn't.
I was Aerodrome Control Pilot for night-flying on Monday night until 3 o'clock Tuesday. Then I had to get up at 8 o'clock and go to Honington to attend a court martial. A sergeant who was N.C.O. 1/c messing was charged with fraudulent misapplication of air men's rations. As there was insufficient evidence and lack of proof, he was let off "not guilty".
I have been kept busy all this morning in the Navigation Office issuing equipment (sextants, calculators, maps, etc., to some Observer Sergeants who have just arrived here on a Navigational course. So I was filling out loan cards for all of them. After that I gave a couple officers some instructions on using and sighting with the bubble sextant, then after lunch some more sighting and I relieved the Squadron Adjutant in his office until 4:30. In case of mobilization I will be posted to Thornaby - somewhere in Yorkshire as a Navigational Instructor and probably get in some time as Instructional Pilot. There is another "flap" on just now. This is the 3rd crisis I have been through since I have been over here. All our leave has been cancelled and we are not (for the present) allowed to leave the station. Also we have to be ready upon and hours notice to move out of here to where ever we are posted. Upon notice of mobilization the whole squadron must be ready to completely evacuate in 6 hours - that means, ground staff, aircraft, repairs, equipment, stores and munitions. My 1st war posting was to Harwell, near Oxford, but now that is changed. Otherwise life in the R.A.F. is proceeding quite normally.
We had a couple of days of heavy rain here. Some of it was a regular cloud-burst. Some parts of the country are suffering from floods. When the sun has been out it was terribly hot. It has been hot today again so I supposed it will rain tomorrow.
The crops that I have seen over here look quite good. Some wheat crops will be good for about 50 bushel to the acre. They call wheat 'corn' here; I haven't actually seen any real corn.
There should be a lot more news to write about but I can't think of it right now. I am sending some magazines with photos in them for you to keep for me. I am going to have supper now, so I'll try to write more after I finish. I will try to send some England newspapers to you so you can read the local news about Europe today. I will write again this week-end and see if I can do.
Best Wishes and Love,
Estelles
P.S. The enclosed is just a sample of some sort of seaweed that grows on the rocks.
Royal Air Force Station
Stradishall, Newmarket
August 20, 1939
Dear: Dad and Richard:
I guess it is about time that I wrote again. I am glad to hear that the crops are still o.k. and didn't get hailed out or burned up. You must be getting to be quite a cook - canning fruit and peas, etc. How does the garden look - has it been alright or was it too dry? I suppose during this hot weather the lake is quite a favorite sport. especially on Sundays. We have been having terribly hot and close weather here for the last couple weeks. There is a bit of a breeze today, so it isn't too bad.
I am Orderly Officer this week-end so I have to stay in camp, otherwise I would be at the bathing pool at Newmarket or the river at Burlwell.
WEDNESDAY 23RD
Sorry I didn't get this finished the other day but as I have been so busy lately, I couldn't.
I was Aerodrome Control Pilot for night-flying on Monday night until 3 o'clock Tuesday. Then I had to get up at 8 o'clock and go to Honington to attend a court martial. A sergeant who was N.C.O. 1/c messing was charged with fraudulent misapplication of air men's rations. As there was insufficient evidence and lack of proof, he was let off "not guilty".
I have been kept busy all this morning in the Navigation Office issuing equipment (sextants, calculators, maps, etc., to some Observer Sergeants who have just arrived here on a Navigational course. So I was filling out loan cards for all of them. After that I gave a couple officers some instructions on using and sighting with the bubble sextant, then after lunch some more sighting and I relieved the Squadron Adjutant in his office until 4:30. In case of mobilization I will be posted to Thornaby - somewhere in Yorkshire as a Navigational Instructor and probably get in some time as Instructional Pilot. There is another "flap" on just now. This is the 3rd crisis I have been through since I have been over here. All our leave has been cancelled and we are not (for the present) allowed to leave the station. Also we have to be ready upon and hours notice to move out of here to where ever we are posted. Upon notice of mobilization the whole squadron must be ready to completely evacuate in 6 hours - that means, ground staff, aircraft, repairs, equipment, stores and munitions. My 1st war posting was to Harwell, near Oxford, but now that is changed. Otherwise life in the R.A.F. is proceeding quite normally.
We had a couple of days of heavy rain here. Some of it was a regular cloud-burst. Some parts of the country are suffering from floods. When the sun has been out it was terribly hot. It has been hot today again so I supposed it will rain tomorrow.
The crops that I have seen over here look quite good. Some wheat crops will be good for about 50 bushel to the acre. They call wheat 'corn' here; I haven't actually seen any real corn.
There should be a lot more news to write about but I can't think of it right now. I am sending some magazines with photos in them for you to keep for me. I am going to have supper now, so I'll try to write more after I finish. I will try to send some England newspapers to you so you can read the local news about Europe today. I will write again this week-end and see if I can do.
Best Wishes and Love,
Estelles
P.S. The enclosed is just a sample of some sort of seaweed that grows on the rocks.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
World War II Letters Home August 6, 1939 - Estelles Wickenkamp
R.A.F. Finningley
Nottinghamshire
August 6, 1939
Dear Mama:
It is hard for me to do much letter writing lately with all the moving, etc., going on. Also there is a lot of air maneuvers going on day and night.
At present I am on Ground Observer's duties here. Certain factories and large electricity transformers have been selected as targets for mock air-raids and I have to leave this station - sometimes at 5:00 a.m. with a transport lorry which has a camera gun mounted in the roof, and go into Rotherham (just out of Sheffield) to protect these targets. I have to comment on the tactical ways that the approaches and get-aways of the aircraft is carried on - while the air gunner shoots them down with his camera gun.
We get our orders from Mildenhall so I have to phone long-distance to the operations Officer there to get my orders and tell him the results of all the attacks. When he considers that a target is blown up then I move to another target, as I will be doing this afternoon. I left he station yesterday at 5:00 a..m. and didn't get back until 9:00 p.m. We take our lunch with us and besides for being over 5 hours I get 4 shillings extra allowances and over 10 hours I get 8 shillings so I don't mind staying away.
We are to be up here for about 8 days so I should do alright. Besides, it is around 200 miles from Stradishall so I collect travelling allowances too. But moving from station to station makes the mess bill larger as we invariably pay mess subscriptions to each mess, even if we are only there 1 week.
Everything seems to be rush and confusion - we only had 12 hours notice that we were to pack our kit and come here. We didn't know what we were to do nor how we were to get here until about an hour before we left.
Besides being in charge of Barrack block and the photography section I am Assistant Navigation Officer of our squadron which keeps me quite busy - you know how it is - the Navigation Officer keeps out of sight and leaves me to do the business. it is all good experience and I never turn a job down because it is good training and the more important you ca make people believe you are, well, it means that the Air Ministry at least knows you exist and probably the first to get the benefit of anything that comes along, (that is if it is possible to say that there is such a thing).
I took some negatives into Cambridge the day before we came up here, to get some pictures made to send to you but now I guess they will have to wait until I get back. My mail is getting all mixed up and so is everything else so it will most likely take the rest of the month for me to get back to a normal, easy life again.
Oh yes, you asked me about those bottle caps, yes, I still want them if you care to collect a few.
I hope everything is going fine and that Grandma feels better. Tell here 'hello' for me and that I wanted to enclose a note to her but I haven't much time as I am so busy.
I suppose you get all the European news so there is not much need for me to write about it. I must close now and will write again in a few days.
Love, Your Son,
Estelles
Nottinghamshire
August 6, 1939
Dear Mama:
It is hard for me to do much letter writing lately with all the moving, etc., going on. Also there is a lot of air maneuvers going on day and night.
At present I am on Ground Observer's duties here. Certain factories and large electricity transformers have been selected as targets for mock air-raids and I have to leave this station - sometimes at 5:00 a.m. with a transport lorry which has a camera gun mounted in the roof, and go into Rotherham (just out of Sheffield) to protect these targets. I have to comment on the tactical ways that the approaches and get-aways of the aircraft is carried on - while the air gunner shoots them down with his camera gun.
We get our orders from Mildenhall so I have to phone long-distance to the operations Officer there to get my orders and tell him the results of all the attacks. When he considers that a target is blown up then I move to another target, as I will be doing this afternoon. I left he station yesterday at 5:00 a..m. and didn't get back until 9:00 p.m. We take our lunch with us and besides for being over 5 hours I get 4 shillings extra allowances and over 10 hours I get 8 shillings so I don't mind staying away.
We are to be up here for about 8 days so I should do alright. Besides, it is around 200 miles from Stradishall so I collect travelling allowances too. But moving from station to station makes the mess bill larger as we invariably pay mess subscriptions to each mess, even if we are only there 1 week.
Everything seems to be rush and confusion - we only had 12 hours notice that we were to pack our kit and come here. We didn't know what we were to do nor how we were to get here until about an hour before we left.
Besides being in charge of Barrack block and the photography section I am Assistant Navigation Officer of our squadron which keeps me quite busy - you know how it is - the Navigation Officer keeps out of sight and leaves me to do the business. it is all good experience and I never turn a job down because it is good training and the more important you ca make people believe you are, well, it means that the Air Ministry at least knows you exist and probably the first to get the benefit of anything that comes along, (that is if it is possible to say that there is such a thing).
I took some negatives into Cambridge the day before we came up here, to get some pictures made to send to you but now I guess they will have to wait until I get back. My mail is getting all mixed up and so is everything else so it will most likely take the rest of the month for me to get back to a normal, easy life again.
Oh yes, you asked me about those bottle caps, yes, I still want them if you care to collect a few.
I hope everything is going fine and that Grandma feels better. Tell here 'hello' for me and that I wanted to enclose a note to her but I haven't much time as I am so busy.
I suppose you get all the European news so there is not much need for me to write about it. I must close now and will write again in a few days.
Love, Your Son,
Estelles
Sunday, July 27, 2014
World War II Letters Home July 27, 1939 - Estelles Wickenkamp
Norwich, Norfolk
July 27, 1939
Dear Mama:
Doug and I have been spending our few days leave travelling about visiting friends of his father. We left the station on Friday the 19th and went to Hull. Saturday we went to Huddersfield which is near Leeds and saw some people. Then on Sunday we went north and east of Hull to Flamborough Head and Searborough and half way up to Whitby - along the coast.
At Flamborough we went into the caves in the cliffs and north of Searborough we saw some pretty moors covered with heather and bracken. On Monday we went to Sheffield and saw an army pal of Dr. Morris' (Doug's dad). We stayed over night there. While we were there we drove around quite a bit through the hills south-west of Sheffield. It is a very pretty country. It reminded me of Montana. Also we went to Sherwood Forest - the home of Robin Hood. I have a picture the major oak where Robin Hood is said to have hidden in the hollow trunk. It is a beautiful place. As soon as I get some more prints made I will send you them. I also have a few pictures taken in an old church.
Tuesday we left Sheffield, the manufacturing and smoky city, and went back to camp when I got your 2nd letter. Wednesday we came back up here on the broads in the lake lake and river country and we are spending a few days with Mr. and Mrs. Brooks. Mrs. B was a nurse during the war and knew Doug's dad. Their home is in London, but this is their summer residence. I will also send photos of this place. They have a beautiful thatched cottage and across the road from it is the river on which they have a swell cruiser. It is a motor cruiser and has sleeping room for 3 people, kitchen and all. They live on it for several weeks at a time when they go cruising up and down the river. As there isn't room in the house Doug and I are sleeping on the cruiser. Boy! Is this a great life! We have traveled about 1,800 miles in the last two weeks but by mooching from house to house, we have spent very little money - and I think it is a well spent holiday. Besides the fortnight I spent Christmas in Wales this is the only other holiday I have had since being over here, a year and a month today since we landed at Liverpool.
Apparently I must have gotten over 70% on my navigation exams at Manston because I got a folder from some school wanting to sell me a book on the administrative part of 2nd class navigator's license. they probably got the dope from Air Ministry. I think I told you that from what I figured out on my marks I should pass. I'm afraid a lot (about 90%) of the fellows didn't pass. Besides the exams I had at Manston I have to write 2 more exams to get my license, one subject is on navigational legislation and the other is wireless. so as soon as I hear definitely I'll write them off.
We won't be doing any pilot flying in August - mostly classes, but will start flying or learning to fly Wellingtons in September. I have only done about 10 hours of piloting since the first of March. If we don't get some soon I'll be out of practice.
During the last week my rheumatism has started to bother me in my leg. This is the first time it has bothered me since I have been in England. I hope it doesn't keep on.
Well, Mom, I don't know just what else to write this evening, but will write more in a few days. Make the best of your stay in Nebraska and enjoy yourself. Grandma will most likely hang on for a few more years yet. I got a letter from Esther too.
Best wishes and lots of love.
Your son,
Estelles
July 27, 1939
Dear Mama:
Doug and I have been spending our few days leave travelling about visiting friends of his father. We left the station on Friday the 19th and went to Hull. Saturday we went to Huddersfield which is near Leeds and saw some people. Then on Sunday we went north and east of Hull to Flamborough Head and Searborough and half way up to Whitby - along the coast.
At Flamborough we went into the caves in the cliffs and north of Searborough we saw some pretty moors covered with heather and bracken. On Monday we went to Sheffield and saw an army pal of Dr. Morris' (Doug's dad). We stayed over night there. While we were there we drove around quite a bit through the hills south-west of Sheffield. It is a very pretty country. It reminded me of Montana. Also we went to Sherwood Forest - the home of Robin Hood. I have a picture the major oak where Robin Hood is said to have hidden in the hollow trunk. It is a beautiful place. As soon as I get some more prints made I will send you them. I also have a few pictures taken in an old church.
Tuesday we left Sheffield, the manufacturing and smoky city, and went back to camp when I got your 2nd letter. Wednesday we came back up here on the broads in the lake lake and river country and we are spending a few days with Mr. and Mrs. Brooks. Mrs. B was a nurse during the war and knew Doug's dad. Their home is in London, but this is their summer residence. I will also send photos of this place. They have a beautiful thatched cottage and across the road from it is the river on which they have a swell cruiser. It is a motor cruiser and has sleeping room for 3 people, kitchen and all. They live on it for several weeks at a time when they go cruising up and down the river. As there isn't room in the house Doug and I are sleeping on the cruiser. Boy! Is this a great life! We have traveled about 1,800 miles in the last two weeks but by mooching from house to house, we have spent very little money - and I think it is a well spent holiday. Besides the fortnight I spent Christmas in Wales this is the only other holiday I have had since being over here, a year and a month today since we landed at Liverpool.
Apparently I must have gotten over 70% on my navigation exams at Manston because I got a folder from some school wanting to sell me a book on the administrative part of 2nd class navigator's license. they probably got the dope from Air Ministry. I think I told you that from what I figured out on my marks I should pass. I'm afraid a lot (about 90%) of the fellows didn't pass. Besides the exams I had at Manston I have to write 2 more exams to get my license, one subject is on navigational legislation and the other is wireless. so as soon as I hear definitely I'll write them off.
We won't be doing any pilot flying in August - mostly classes, but will start flying or learning to fly Wellingtons in September. I have only done about 10 hours of piloting since the first of March. If we don't get some soon I'll be out of practice.
During the last week my rheumatism has started to bother me in my leg. This is the first time it has bothered me since I have been in England. I hope it doesn't keep on.
Well, Mom, I don't know just what else to write this evening, but will write more in a few days. Make the best of your stay in Nebraska and enjoy yourself. Grandma will most likely hang on for a few more years yet. I got a letter from Esther too.
Best wishes and lots of love.
Your son,
Estelles
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