School of Air Navigation
Royal Air Force
Manston, Kent
June 13, 1939
Dear Folks:
I got your letter of May 21 today, it took 23 days to get here - I don't know why. It shouldn't take over 21 or 14 days, but as long as I get them I don't mind.
In another 2 1/2 weeks I'll leaving Manston unless I get on Astro course which I don't think is very likely as they are only taking 2 or 3 out of our class of 45. I may be fortunate enough to come back for it later on after I am at a Squadron. Anyhow, I'll be able to get my 2nd class Navigator's License after I leave here so that will be alright (I hope)!)
We are night flying tonight. I think that I am 1st navigator. I am not sure as I haven't seen the program yet. We take off at 10:30 and get back about 1:00 a.m. We won't have to get up until 9:00 o'clock tomorrow. From here we got to Wyton, Bircham, Newton and return. These places are about 90 miles north and a little west of here, just south of the Wash. It's jolly fine flying over towns at night, some of them make pretty patterns. I mean the street lights, as some are rows of blue arc-lights, others are yellow (fog lights), others are just like ordinary white ones. the big red and blue neon signs show up very plainly too. We tell how much the wind is blowing us off course by watching these lights on the ground as they pass down the drift wires on the the bomb sight. Then all we have to do is alter course to one side or other to counteract this drift - that makes our actual path in the correct direction.
We usually have a different pilot every trip, some of them aren't as good as others, but with a bit of complicated navigating we usually manage to get within a couple miles of our destination. When we fly over the North Sea our courses are generally from 1 light ship to another. Light ships are anchored vessels with fog sirens and flashing beacons on them - used for marine navigation. Sometimes when we come to a light ship that is a turning point for us, the pilot goes down and "shoots it up" (you should know by now what that means). The other day our pilot gave us an exhibition for real flying - he came so close to this Dutch light ship that I thought he was going to cut the ropes off the masts. I guess these keepers on the vessels get pretty lonesome - when they saw us coming they hoisted the Dutch flag as a salute to us, and stood on deck waving to us. When about 3 or 4 planes start shooting up a passenger ship, everyone comes up on deck and waves their hands off - maybe they are trying to shoo us away.
As soon as I remember to buy some glue, I have a few magazines I want to send to you, also my Commission signed by the King.
I'm sorry about Mrs. Mackay not receiving my Christmas card because I did send her one, in fact she was about the 1st one in Stenen that I thought of sending one. I'll write her a little letter and send her a photo - that will make her feel good, I betcha!
Well, I am going to get washed up for supper, then I'll do a bit of studying before we go up tonight. I'll write some more again tomorrow. Probably I'll know some more news.
JUNE 15
We didn't fly Tuesday night as per schedule so it will be either tonight or tomorrow night. All our our day-navigation is completed so there is the one night trip to do. During the next fortnight we will be struggling through our final exams.
Our squadron leader instructor said today that we would probably be posted at Honington in Norfolk for a month or 2 after leaving here. We will be putting in day and night time as 2nd pilot to qualify as 1st pilot for twin engines when we finally get transferred to our squadrons. I think that we will most likely fly Harrows (not the line you have in the field).
I saw in today's paper that Kingie and Queenie think Prince Edward Island is a very fine spot, also that they intend to revisit Canada and take the Princesses with them.
I am enclosing one of my mess bills just to give you and idea of how they mount up. Sometimes they are more and sometimes less, this is a fair average though.
I can't find anything else lying around that I can send and I don't know what else to write about so I guess I'll just have to quit. It's about time Richard and Dad struggled through another letter - isn't it?? How's the flu Richard - has it still gotcha? Will write again next week.
As Ever, Love,
Estelles
Friday, June 13, 2014
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
World War II Letters Home June 11, 1939 - Estelles Wickenkamp
School of Air Navigation
Royal Air Force
Manston, Kent
June 11, 1939
Dear Esther:
It's been a dog's age since I heard from your or the folks, at least so it seems, so I'll scribble off a few lines in hopes of getting some news during the week.
The time is sure flying at this place - another 3 or 4 weeks and we'll be finished unless I can wangle my way into an Astrological Navigation course - which looks rather doubtful at the present. I still don't know where I am going to be posted. I have a half a notion to apply for a posting abroad, somewhere in Egypt or India, but I don't know just yet what to do. Toward the end of this month I will be a Pilot Officer and get a raise in pay which should help a little in spite of the fact that the value of money is practically nil in this country. On the average I find that a pound doesn't go any further than one good Canadian dollar, but I guess it is no use grumbling.
I suppose you have read all about I.R.A bomb outrages that are continually taking place and about the terrible disaster of the Thetis. The headlines this morning's paper read "King receives craziest welcome ever". These damn Englishmen give me a heck of a pain sometimes where I sit down. As a whole, I think the English are rather narrow-minded and their outlook is very local. Seeing that I have to live with them I have to make the best of it. One consolation is that they all aren't quite as bad as the big shots, government etc.
We had a fairly good shower last night - it is quite remarkable seeing that it hasn't rained for a whole month. We (meaning our class) have been up on 2 night flying navigation trips of about 2 1/2 hours each. These coastal towns and others look quite beautiful at night from above, with all their colored lights. Some rows of street lights are yellow (fog lights) and others white, and blue (arc lights) and some just dim (gas lights), believe it or not and they make beautiful patterns weaving in and out. The big red or blue neon signs show up for a long way. Over the sea there are dozens of flashing beacons, from light vessels and market buoys. We distinguish them by color, the number of flashes and the time intervals of flashing etc., so they're not just light.
Do you still write to Uncle Richard? How is he getting along. Is he working and has he moved to the farm? all along the sea-coast in the towns there are all sorts of side-shows, gambling devices, and rides (roller coasters, etc.); it is just like going to a fair. I haven't been on any of them yet but I suppose I'll have to treat myself some week-end.
People don't live in cottages at the sea shore here - they drive down for the day and rent a chalet (bathing hut), that is, unless they stay at a hotel. They don't know how to really enjoy themselves like we do. On Sunday's the beaches are covered so thick with people lying about, you can hardly walk around without stepping on some one's neck or fat lady's bottom. It is most peculiar but nearly every other bazaar or kiosk along the beach sells comic bathing postcards. I thought they were done with bustles, but apparently not. They also sell pails and wooden spades to dig the sandy shore. To my notion I think this race is born 40 years too soon!
There are a lot of dance pavilions that are quite nice, but the English are rotten dancers - they try to imitate the Americans in the "Big Apple", etc. and to say the least they make a horrible mess of it. For some reason or other they lack a certain rhythm in their dancing. Look what the Americans did to the Lambeth Walk - it isn't even the same dance over there; here it is just a "ring around a rosie". Well, i guess I've done enough knocking so I'll forget it.
I had supper and I have just returned from a 6 mile walk with a chap from New Zealand. My camera has taken a back seat lately; I have been doing very little picture taking so I am sorry I haven't any snaps to send along this time. I've promised myself a new camera for a long time but haven't made the grade yet.
How is everything going at home? Has Richard finally decided to stay at home and settle down or what? I see that the R.C.A.F. are starting up a short service commission. I don't know what the requirements are, but if his health is alright, he could find out about trying to join up there if he wants to. I didn't encourage him about getting in here or the Navy - because I know better what the services are now and it isn't worth it unless you can get in when your are younger.
Well Sis, I think I'll sign off and read a bit before going to bed. Please write regularly like you did before you went home, because I don't get much mail and its nice to hear from you.
With Love,
Estelles
Royal Air Force
Manston, Kent
June 11, 1939
Dear Esther:
It's been a dog's age since I heard from your or the folks, at least so it seems, so I'll scribble off a few lines in hopes of getting some news during the week.
The time is sure flying at this place - another 3 or 4 weeks and we'll be finished unless I can wangle my way into an Astrological Navigation course - which looks rather doubtful at the present. I still don't know where I am going to be posted. I have a half a notion to apply for a posting abroad, somewhere in Egypt or India, but I don't know just yet what to do. Toward the end of this month I will be a Pilot Officer and get a raise in pay which should help a little in spite of the fact that the value of money is practically nil in this country. On the average I find that a pound doesn't go any further than one good Canadian dollar, but I guess it is no use grumbling.
I suppose you have read all about I.R.A bomb outrages that are continually taking place and about the terrible disaster of the Thetis. The headlines this morning's paper read "King receives craziest welcome ever". These damn Englishmen give me a heck of a pain sometimes where I sit down. As a whole, I think the English are rather narrow-minded and their outlook is very local. Seeing that I have to live with them I have to make the best of it. One consolation is that they all aren't quite as bad as the big shots, government etc.
We had a fairly good shower last night - it is quite remarkable seeing that it hasn't rained for a whole month. We (meaning our class) have been up on 2 night flying navigation trips of about 2 1/2 hours each. These coastal towns and others look quite beautiful at night from above, with all their colored lights. Some rows of street lights are yellow (fog lights) and others white, and blue (arc lights) and some just dim (gas lights), believe it or not and they make beautiful patterns weaving in and out. The big red or blue neon signs show up for a long way. Over the sea there are dozens of flashing beacons, from light vessels and market buoys. We distinguish them by color, the number of flashes and the time intervals of flashing etc., so they're not just light.
Do you still write to Uncle Richard? How is he getting along. Is he working and has he moved to the farm? all along the sea-coast in the towns there are all sorts of side-shows, gambling devices, and rides (roller coasters, etc.); it is just like going to a fair. I haven't been on any of them yet but I suppose I'll have to treat myself some week-end.
People don't live in cottages at the sea shore here - they drive down for the day and rent a chalet (bathing hut), that is, unless they stay at a hotel. They don't know how to really enjoy themselves like we do. On Sunday's the beaches are covered so thick with people lying about, you can hardly walk around without stepping on some one's neck or fat lady's bottom. It is most peculiar but nearly every other bazaar or kiosk along the beach sells comic bathing postcards. I thought they were done with bustles, but apparently not. They also sell pails and wooden spades to dig the sandy shore. To my notion I think this race is born 40 years too soon!
There are a lot of dance pavilions that are quite nice, but the English are rotten dancers - they try to imitate the Americans in the "Big Apple", etc. and to say the least they make a horrible mess of it. For some reason or other they lack a certain rhythm in their dancing. Look what the Americans did to the Lambeth Walk - it isn't even the same dance over there; here it is just a "ring around a rosie". Well, i guess I've done enough knocking so I'll forget it.
I had supper and I have just returned from a 6 mile walk with a chap from New Zealand. My camera has taken a back seat lately; I have been doing very little picture taking so I am sorry I haven't any snaps to send along this time. I've promised myself a new camera for a long time but haven't made the grade yet.
How is everything going at home? Has Richard finally decided to stay at home and settle down or what? I see that the R.C.A.F. are starting up a short service commission. I don't know what the requirements are, but if his health is alright, he could find out about trying to join up there if he wants to. I didn't encourage him about getting in here or the Navy - because I know better what the services are now and it isn't worth it unless you can get in when your are younger.
Well Sis, I think I'll sign off and read a bit before going to bed. Please write regularly like you did before you went home, because I don't get much mail and its nice to hear from you.
With Love,
Estelles
Thursday, May 29, 2014
World War II Letters Home May 29, 1939-Estelles Wickenkamp
School of Air Navigation
Royal Air Force
Manston, Kent
May 29, 1939
Dear Folks:
I got Esther's and your letters the other day - it took 17 days to get here. It went to Catfoss, Brize Norton,, the here. Service seems to be slowing up. I am glad to hear that Esther is putting on weight - she'd better watch her calories!
It's nice to know you have a good crop coming on this year. I don't know when they do their seeding here, but I see that a lot of the grain is about a foot and half tall. The potatoes are up about a foot and the peas are in blossom. Of course the flowers are nearly all blooming, although the rose blooms aren't all out yet. The trouble is with this country that I haven't realized when we had winter. There are green leaves and flowers all winter.
The "Winter Garden" in Margate is a Theatre, Restaurant and everything in one and they have some of the most beautiful rock gardens - the flowers are planted in colour schemes and looking down on them from above it is 'simply gorgeous'. I am going to try to get some pictures of it to give you an idea what it is like.
Whitsun was yesterday, and is the official opening of all summer resorts. Although it wasn't such a nice day there were thousands of people around the beach - it was too cold for much swimming; Roddy Ross and I went in for a while but we nearly froze.
This is along week-end, we have leave from Friday noon until Wednesday morning. Nearly everyone has cleared out of camp; there are only a couple dozen officers left. From now on until the end of the course we will be doing some real studying and work. In our last math exam, which includes trig., algebra, geometry, i got 93% - 2nd best in the class. I'd like to be able to get that in the rest of my subjects - but that isn't very likely. Meteorology (weather) pulls everything down. It is a rotten subject.
I have just been scanning my D/F - W.T. notes (direction finding - wireless telephony). It's all about loop aerials and variation of signal strength during rotation of the loop. You know - simple stuff like: "the signal strength and directional characteristics is represented by a cosine curve, etc. etc." Anyhow, with this D.F. system an aircraft can "tune in" on a station and find out what direction the station is from the a/c, by getting the D.F. bearings from 2 or more stations, it is possible to 'pinpoint' your positions on a sea-chart or map.
Also we have D.F. stations which pick up your call and tell you what direction you are from them - so from these 2 methods an a/c equipped with W.t. or D.F., W.T. can when lost get a D.F. position or bearing and there you are.
I saw in the paper "Daily Mirror" today that Thomas Smith has started a hop over to England in an Aeronoc 65 h.p. plane. Looks like it is getting to be habit.
I have just figured up my time in pilot's log - I have 84 hours 1st pilot, 50 hours dual and 2nd pilot, and 50 hours as passenger and navigator. I've been over here just over 11 months. Taking off leave we have been on flying duties for about 9 months so that is an average of about 20 hours a month.. Some months I only got in around 5 or 6 hours, that's what cut my hours quite a bit.
I couldn't put enough time in on track running so i dropped it, but I wish I hadn't as I could have won silver cup in one of the relay races. But I am not as fast as I used to be, at least not unless I do more training.
Empire Air Day wasn't much of an event at Manston, but at some of the stations they had good displays of flying and aerobatics. At 1 station there was an attendance of 56,000 people, some mob! The only thing we had here that was quite good was 30 Anson's flying in flight formation.
Off in the distance it looked like a long dragon crawling through the sky - you can imagine what the droning and roaring of 60 - 350 h.p. engines sounded like. A squadron like that could sure lay a lot of "eggs" on a city. If they only carried 8-200 lb. bombs a piece it would at least make a dent in the ground.
I don't see anything in the papers about war anymore - so I guess another crisis is over with.
We still don't know where we are going to be posted aster we leave here. I wouldn't mind going abroad as I could go to Heliopolis or near Khartoum. I heard some rumours about going abroad but rumours in the R.A.F are usually the farthest thing from the truth. I think we are through here on the 10th of July.
I suppose July reminds you of Sports Days - they don't have them in England. The 2 main summer holidays are Whitsun and August Bank Holiday.
I will be a P/O about the 20th of June so you won't need to write A./P.O. any more. I can't understand why Vernon can't get in the R.A.F. because the age limit is still 28 over here. I am sending a couple of magazines with some dope about the R.A.F.
Esther will most likely be back at work again when you get this. That sister of mine sure likes good things to eat - she is always telling me about cookies, pickles and roast chicken.
I can hear the cuckoo over in the trees. They say next month he doesn't cuk-oo, he changes his mind. I don't know what he says but after I hear him I'll tell you. There are a bunch of rooks (small crows) in the trees near my window and they make a terrible racket all day and half the night. The boys shot a few of them but that doesn't scare them away at all.
Well, this will be all for now. It is so nice and sunny this afternoon. I am going for a walk before supper.
Love,
Estelles
Royal Air Force
Manston, Kent
May 29, 1939
Dear Folks:
I got Esther's and your letters the other day - it took 17 days to get here. It went to Catfoss, Brize Norton,, the here. Service seems to be slowing up. I am glad to hear that Esther is putting on weight - she'd better watch her calories!
It's nice to know you have a good crop coming on this year. I don't know when they do their seeding here, but I see that a lot of the grain is about a foot and half tall. The potatoes are up about a foot and the peas are in blossom. Of course the flowers are nearly all blooming, although the rose blooms aren't all out yet. The trouble is with this country that I haven't realized when we had winter. There are green leaves and flowers all winter.
The "Winter Garden" in Margate is a Theatre, Restaurant and everything in one and they have some of the most beautiful rock gardens - the flowers are planted in colour schemes and looking down on them from above it is 'simply gorgeous'. I am going to try to get some pictures of it to give you an idea what it is like.
Whitsun was yesterday, and is the official opening of all summer resorts. Although it wasn't such a nice day there were thousands of people around the beach - it was too cold for much swimming; Roddy Ross and I went in for a while but we nearly froze.
This is along week-end, we have leave from Friday noon until Wednesday morning. Nearly everyone has cleared out of camp; there are only a couple dozen officers left. From now on until the end of the course we will be doing some real studying and work. In our last math exam, which includes trig., algebra, geometry, i got 93% - 2nd best in the class. I'd like to be able to get that in the rest of my subjects - but that isn't very likely. Meteorology (weather) pulls everything down. It is a rotten subject.
I have just been scanning my D/F - W.T. notes (direction finding - wireless telephony). It's all about loop aerials and variation of signal strength during rotation of the loop. You know - simple stuff like: "the signal strength and directional characteristics is represented by a cosine curve, etc. etc." Anyhow, with this D.F. system an aircraft can "tune in" on a station and find out what direction the station is from the a/c, by getting the D.F. bearings from 2 or more stations, it is possible to 'pinpoint' your positions on a sea-chart or map.
Also we have D.F. stations which pick up your call and tell you what direction you are from them - so from these 2 methods an a/c equipped with W.t. or D.F., W.T. can when lost get a D.F. position or bearing and there you are.
I saw in the paper "Daily Mirror" today that Thomas Smith has started a hop over to England in an Aeronoc 65 h.p. plane. Looks like it is getting to be habit.
I have just figured up my time in pilot's log - I have 84 hours 1st pilot, 50 hours dual and 2nd pilot, and 50 hours as passenger and navigator. I've been over here just over 11 months. Taking off leave we have been on flying duties for about 9 months so that is an average of about 20 hours a month.. Some months I only got in around 5 or 6 hours, that's what cut my hours quite a bit.
I couldn't put enough time in on track running so i dropped it, but I wish I hadn't as I could have won silver cup in one of the relay races. But I am not as fast as I used to be, at least not unless I do more training.
Empire Air Day wasn't much of an event at Manston, but at some of the stations they had good displays of flying and aerobatics. At 1 station there was an attendance of 56,000 people, some mob! The only thing we had here that was quite good was 30 Anson's flying in flight formation.
Off in the distance it looked like a long dragon crawling through the sky - you can imagine what the droning and roaring of 60 - 350 h.p. engines sounded like. A squadron like that could sure lay a lot of "eggs" on a city. If they only carried 8-200 lb. bombs a piece it would at least make a dent in the ground.
I don't see anything in the papers about war anymore - so I guess another crisis is over with.
We still don't know where we are going to be posted aster we leave here. I wouldn't mind going abroad as I could go to Heliopolis or near Khartoum. I heard some rumours about going abroad but rumours in the R.A.F are usually the farthest thing from the truth. I think we are through here on the 10th of July.
I suppose July reminds you of Sports Days - they don't have them in England. The 2 main summer holidays are Whitsun and August Bank Holiday.
I will be a P/O about the 20th of June so you won't need to write A./P.O. any more. I can't understand why Vernon can't get in the R.A.F. because the age limit is still 28 over here. I am sending a couple of magazines with some dope about the R.A.F.
Esther will most likely be back at work again when you get this. That sister of mine sure likes good things to eat - she is always telling me about cookies, pickles and roast chicken.
I can hear the cuckoo over in the trees. They say next month he doesn't cuk-oo, he changes his mind. I don't know what he says but after I hear him I'll tell you. There are a bunch of rooks (small crows) in the trees near my window and they make a terrible racket all day and half the night. The boys shot a few of them but that doesn't scare them away at all.
Well, this will be all for now. It is so nice and sunny this afternoon. I am going for a walk before supper.
Love,
Estelles
Saturday, May 17, 2014
World War II Letters Home May 17, 1939 - Estelles Wickenkamp
School of Air Navigation
Royal Air Force
Manston, Kent
May 17, 1939
Dear Folks:
It seems like I always manage to be a little late in writing letters. The trouble is that I usually forget what I wrote in my last letter, but I guess that doesn't matter.
this is quite a nice place to be here; it is only 3 miles from Margate and Ramsgate - both are really summer resorts. People come from all over to spend the week-end at the seaside. Last week-end Doug and i went to Uxbridge by car to rest the Canadians that are going abroad - that is - to Egypt or somewhere in the Middle East.
On our way home we stopped at Windsor where where Windsor Castle and Eton College are. Eton is where all the little boys wear top hats and large white collars. It is very funny to see them walking about all dressed up. We went through the St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle and saw the tomb inside the church where King George V is buried. We also went all around the grounds. Being Sunday they wouldn't let us go through the chambers, throne room, state bedrooms, etc. Some week day I may do that though. Windsor Castle is the largest or one of the largest castles in the world. It is situated on top of a hill.
Did I tell you I went in swimming in the sea a couple weeks ago - that was the first time in my life. It was quite cold and tasted awfully salty, ph-oo-ee! After my hair dried it was white with salt.
That's funny about the age limit for joining up being put back to 26 because as far as I know it is still 28 over here.
The navigation is going pretty good. Yesterday we went for a 2 1/2 hour navigation trip. I suppose we covered about 350 miles and only saw the sea or land about half the time; we were in the clouds when we turned on 2 of our courses. I was 1st navigator and Doug was 2nd navigator. We took back bearings on objects we passed over to find out what track we were making good and to see how much we were drifting. After we got over the North Sea we dropped smoke floats and took back bearings on them. We found out a good wind speed and direction. We steered 4 courses and I only ave 1 alteration of 4' in our course. When we came back we were right dead over the aerodrome and only a few minutes under our E.T.A - which means (estimated time of arrival).
Empire Air Day, is on the 20th of this month. That is the Air Force "At Home" day everyone is invited to inspect Air Force Stations. There will be all sorts of flying, etc. going on. I wish you were all here to see what it is like. I have found out that I haven't had enough training so am just a little too slow to take part in the sports day, at least I don't think I will.
So jack Hootz has Dunc working for him, well, I wouldn't be afraid to bet they won't last long together; either Jack's temper of his business will give out, but I hope he makes good.
So you can't figure out how the wheel works on the steering column Richard, well, here's how it goes; the rudder bar which every a/c has just controls the rudder which is hinged to the fin; the forward and backward movement of the stick controls the elevators which moves up and down, the sideways motion of the stick moves ailerons which are mounted on the trailing edge of the wings. In a place with a wheel the stick does not move sideways, the reason being that there isn't enough room so they put a wheel or part of a wheel on the stick so when you turn the wheel it works the ailerons - savvy? Try it the next time you go up. Here's how to go into a spin - pull the stick slowly back (without engine) until the a/c stalls - just as it sort of prepared to not to go any more, put on full right or left rudder and pull the stick hard back - it will immediately go into a spin - don't get woozy OOOO. To come out just centralize the rudder and east the sick ahead - not hard, is it.
One of our Junior Term at B. Norton 'wrote off' an Oxford awhile back while night flying. All he got out of it was a broken wrist and a few cuts. From the gun turret forward the a/c was just small pieces - they couldn't find the one wing - it was in such small pieces. They just take so much and no more. After they found him, he asked if the plane was broken (he's another crazy Canuck) and when they told him, he says "well, just put it on my mess bill, boys!" Such a clown he is, always some foolishness.
I suppose you have read the papers, I sent the King and Queen over to Canada for a holiday, so treat them nice. Anyhow, they saw a few icebergs on the way.
I suppose you have the new horses sweating in the harness seeding. Have you much plowing to do this spring?
I think one of these days I am going to get measured up for a suit. I am still wearing the one i got in Regina. I can get a pretty good one for 50 or 60 shillings. I also have to get some shirts the only shirts I bought are 3 still fronts and 3 service shirts.
Well, I guess i am getting unwound for today. They have raised the tax (licenses) on cars here to 25 shillings per h.p. How would you like to pay for the license that 40 h.p. Buick at that rate besides about 9 or 10 pounds for insurance which is compulsory? Probably, maybe, you wouldn't run it.
Take care of yourselves and tell me all about the farm.
Love,
Estelles
Royal Air Force
Manston, Kent
May 17, 1939
Dear Folks:
It seems like I always manage to be a little late in writing letters. The trouble is that I usually forget what I wrote in my last letter, but I guess that doesn't matter.
this is quite a nice place to be here; it is only 3 miles from Margate and Ramsgate - both are really summer resorts. People come from all over to spend the week-end at the seaside. Last week-end Doug and i went to Uxbridge by car to rest the Canadians that are going abroad - that is - to Egypt or somewhere in the Middle East.
On our way home we stopped at Windsor where where Windsor Castle and Eton College are. Eton is where all the little boys wear top hats and large white collars. It is very funny to see them walking about all dressed up. We went through the St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle and saw the tomb inside the church where King George V is buried. We also went all around the grounds. Being Sunday they wouldn't let us go through the chambers, throne room, state bedrooms, etc. Some week day I may do that though. Windsor Castle is the largest or one of the largest castles in the world. It is situated on top of a hill.
Did I tell you I went in swimming in the sea a couple weeks ago - that was the first time in my life. It was quite cold and tasted awfully salty, ph-oo-ee! After my hair dried it was white with salt.
That's funny about the age limit for joining up being put back to 26 because as far as I know it is still 28 over here.
The navigation is going pretty good. Yesterday we went for a 2 1/2 hour navigation trip. I suppose we covered about 350 miles and only saw the sea or land about half the time; we were in the clouds when we turned on 2 of our courses. I was 1st navigator and Doug was 2nd navigator. We took back bearings on objects we passed over to find out what track we were making good and to see how much we were drifting. After we got over the North Sea we dropped smoke floats and took back bearings on them. We found out a good wind speed and direction. We steered 4 courses and I only ave 1 alteration of 4' in our course. When we came back we were right dead over the aerodrome and only a few minutes under our E.T.A - which means (estimated time of arrival).
Empire Air Day, is on the 20th of this month. That is the Air Force "At Home" day everyone is invited to inspect Air Force Stations. There will be all sorts of flying, etc. going on. I wish you were all here to see what it is like. I have found out that I haven't had enough training so am just a little too slow to take part in the sports day, at least I don't think I will.
So jack Hootz has Dunc working for him, well, I wouldn't be afraid to bet they won't last long together; either Jack's temper of his business will give out, but I hope he makes good.
So you can't figure out how the wheel works on the steering column Richard, well, here's how it goes; the rudder bar which every a/c has just controls the rudder which is hinged to the fin; the forward and backward movement of the stick controls the elevators which moves up and down, the sideways motion of the stick moves ailerons which are mounted on the trailing edge of the wings. In a place with a wheel the stick does not move sideways, the reason being that there isn't enough room so they put a wheel or part of a wheel on the stick so when you turn the wheel it works the ailerons - savvy? Try it the next time you go up. Here's how to go into a spin - pull the stick slowly back (without engine) until the a/c stalls - just as it sort of prepared to not to go any more, put on full right or left rudder and pull the stick hard back - it will immediately go into a spin - don't get woozy OOOO. To come out just centralize the rudder and east the sick ahead - not hard, is it.
One of our Junior Term at B. Norton 'wrote off' an Oxford awhile back while night flying. All he got out of it was a broken wrist and a few cuts. From the gun turret forward the a/c was just small pieces - they couldn't find the one wing - it was in such small pieces. They just take so much and no more. After they found him, he asked if the plane was broken (he's another crazy Canuck) and when they told him, he says "well, just put it on my mess bill, boys!" Such a clown he is, always some foolishness.
I suppose you have read the papers, I sent the King and Queen over to Canada for a holiday, so treat them nice. Anyhow, they saw a few icebergs on the way.
I suppose you have the new horses sweating in the harness seeding. Have you much plowing to do this spring?
I think one of these days I am going to get measured up for a suit. I am still wearing the one i got in Regina. I can get a pretty good one for 50 or 60 shillings. I also have to get some shirts the only shirts I bought are 3 still fronts and 3 service shirts.
Well, I guess i am getting unwound for today. They have raised the tax (licenses) on cars here to 25 shillings per h.p. How would you like to pay for the license that 40 h.p. Buick at that rate besides about 9 or 10 pounds for insurance which is compulsory? Probably, maybe, you wouldn't run it.
Take care of yourselves and tell me all about the farm.
Love,
Estelles
Friday, May 2, 2014
World War II Letters Home May 2, 1939 - Estelles Wickenkamp
School of Navigation
Royal Air Force
Manston, Kent
May 2, 1939
Dear Folks:
Well, I'll see what I write about today. I have got settled down fairly well now and back to school again. Geometry, trigonometry, a bit of algebra, meteorology (weather and all about instruments such as air speed indicator, altimeter, etc. - that is what we are trying to digest now. I thought I was through school about 9 years ago but by the looks of it I am just starting. Some day when I get the notion I'll try to describe some navigational work and how it is done.
I thought we would be through with fog and rain when we left Catfoss but it is the same here now, although it was real nice when we first came. Rambling around (in Doug's car) this country I have found out that there are a lot of old fashioned Dutch windmills through here. I'll take some pictures as soon as we get sunshine again. It is only 44 degrees above today - so with this drizzle you can imagine how raw and unpleasant it is.
There is to be a station field day here on the 25th of this month so I have decided to go back on track and see if I can still pace off a mile. I am going in training starting today, so I should be able to get back into form in a sort of way. I'll let you know how I am getting along a couple of weeks from now.
I still haven't got a letter from you, I suppose my mail is being held up at Brize Norton waiting to be sent here. I got a letter from Frank Jordan, he is in the bank at Schrieber, Ontario. He said that Peggy Brass has been hired as a stewardess on the Trans-Canada Airlines,
I think I told you in my last letter about meeting Sir Frank Madge when I stayed with Fraser -- well, he is saving beer bottle caps and i was wondering if you could get all the different kinds possible (in good condition) and stuff them into a box and send them to me. He would really appreciate having them as that is one of his hobbies, besides making model aeroplanes, goldfish, carrier pigeons, yachting, etc. - anyhow, see what you can do.
Now to answer Esther's questions - I am presuming that she is at home. At the dances here they do a lot of crazy things, I don't mean crazy - ha! ha!; I mean crazy - peculiar! They try to truck and jitterbug but it ain't in 'em. They try to do the rumba and tango but not with much success - they have a crazy dance step that they do to everything almost. when they waltz, it's old-fashioned and besides that all they do is Lambeth Walk, Under the Chestnut Tree, Paul Jones (circle one-step), Blackpool Waltz -- all they are is just a bunch of kids "ring around a rosie game" stuff. At a dance when everyone is in evening dress - Tux and Tails, the girls always wear long frocks (not dresses, I'll have you understand!)
But at an ordinary shilling dance you see everything from sports jackets to Tux and evening frocks to short skirts. One noticeable thing over here is that very few girls wear slacks. English girls do have fairly good complexions in some ways but they have no color; most of hem look pretty pasty under the paint. Most of them dress quite well. You see, the Englishmen is a great person for changing his attire about 3 or 4 times daily - you seldom see them in one outfit from morning 'til night. I suppose you wonder what a sports jacket is, well, that means a tweed coat and grey flannel trousers, and a dinner jacket means a Tuxedo suit. Sweater coats and pullovers are as rare as hen's teeth, and about the only time a leather jacket is worn is for playing golf. When they have hunt meets (fox hunting to you) they twin with red and blue or black hunting coats and wear derby's or top hats. Just like you see in the pictures of English hunting. I have seen a couple of hounds, although to me they are the height of stupidity. Probably it is like eating raw oysters, you have to get used to it and like it.
Last Friday Doug and I went up as passengers in an Avro Anson. They are a little larger than an Oxford, especially inside. Anyhow, our pilot went out over the sea and we 'shot up' a couple of his majesty's battle ships, besides numerous small boats and fishing schooner. Then we went over to Hatfield, Hanworth, Brooklands, Croydon and Eastchurch; then we scooted along the water below the cliffs and shot up the battle ships again before coming in to land. We were supposed to be doing a bit of navigation by map reading.
We won't get much time in the air this first month. I think we will be going up this Friday again to take back bearings and find drift on different courses. I'll explain that another time.
We are having a mess dance here on April 5. I don't know what it will be like yet - most likely all the local bar maids and bathing beauties will be along - that is - if they are invited. You know these are very formal affairs, and now that we are out of F.T.S we can't act like boys anymore - we are supposed to be gentlemen.
Well I guess I've shot enough line for now, so it's you turn next. By the end of next month I will be a P.O. which is nice because it means an increase of 2/10 or 3s in pay per day. I hope all of you are feeling A1, like myself.
As Ever, Love,
Estelles
Royal Air Force
Manston, Kent
May 2, 1939
Dear Folks:
Well, I'll see what I write about today. I have got settled down fairly well now and back to school again. Geometry, trigonometry, a bit of algebra, meteorology (weather and all about instruments such as air speed indicator, altimeter, etc. - that is what we are trying to digest now. I thought I was through school about 9 years ago but by the looks of it I am just starting. Some day when I get the notion I'll try to describe some navigational work and how it is done.
I thought we would be through with fog and rain when we left Catfoss but it is the same here now, although it was real nice when we first came. Rambling around (in Doug's car) this country I have found out that there are a lot of old fashioned Dutch windmills through here. I'll take some pictures as soon as we get sunshine again. It is only 44 degrees above today - so with this drizzle you can imagine how raw and unpleasant it is.
There is to be a station field day here on the 25th of this month so I have decided to go back on track and see if I can still pace off a mile. I am going in training starting today, so I should be able to get back into form in a sort of way. I'll let you know how I am getting along a couple of weeks from now.
I still haven't got a letter from you, I suppose my mail is being held up at Brize Norton waiting to be sent here. I got a letter from Frank Jordan, he is in the bank at Schrieber, Ontario. He said that Peggy Brass has been hired as a stewardess on the Trans-Canada Airlines,
I think I told you in my last letter about meeting Sir Frank Madge when I stayed with Fraser -- well, he is saving beer bottle caps and i was wondering if you could get all the different kinds possible (in good condition) and stuff them into a box and send them to me. He would really appreciate having them as that is one of his hobbies, besides making model aeroplanes, goldfish, carrier pigeons, yachting, etc. - anyhow, see what you can do.
Now to answer Esther's questions - I am presuming that she is at home. At the dances here they do a lot of crazy things, I don't mean crazy - ha! ha!; I mean crazy - peculiar! They try to truck and jitterbug but it ain't in 'em. They try to do the rumba and tango but not with much success - they have a crazy dance step that they do to everything almost. when they waltz, it's old-fashioned and besides that all they do is Lambeth Walk, Under the Chestnut Tree, Paul Jones (circle one-step), Blackpool Waltz -- all they are is just a bunch of kids "ring around a rosie game" stuff. At a dance when everyone is in evening dress - Tux and Tails, the girls always wear long frocks (not dresses, I'll have you understand!)
But at an ordinary shilling dance you see everything from sports jackets to Tux and evening frocks to short skirts. One noticeable thing over here is that very few girls wear slacks. English girls do have fairly good complexions in some ways but they have no color; most of hem look pretty pasty under the paint. Most of them dress quite well. You see, the Englishmen is a great person for changing his attire about 3 or 4 times daily - you seldom see them in one outfit from morning 'til night. I suppose you wonder what a sports jacket is, well, that means a tweed coat and grey flannel trousers, and a dinner jacket means a Tuxedo suit. Sweater coats and pullovers are as rare as hen's teeth, and about the only time a leather jacket is worn is for playing golf. When they have hunt meets (fox hunting to you) they twin with red and blue or black hunting coats and wear derby's or top hats. Just like you see in the pictures of English hunting. I have seen a couple of hounds, although to me they are the height of stupidity. Probably it is like eating raw oysters, you have to get used to it and like it.
Last Friday Doug and I went up as passengers in an Avro Anson. They are a little larger than an Oxford, especially inside. Anyhow, our pilot went out over the sea and we 'shot up' a couple of his majesty's battle ships, besides numerous small boats and fishing schooner. Then we went over to Hatfield, Hanworth, Brooklands, Croydon and Eastchurch; then we scooted along the water below the cliffs and shot up the battle ships again before coming in to land. We were supposed to be doing a bit of navigation by map reading.
We won't get much time in the air this first month. I think we will be going up this Friday again to take back bearings and find drift on different courses. I'll explain that another time.
We are having a mess dance here on April 5. I don't know what it will be like yet - most likely all the local bar maids and bathing beauties will be along - that is - if they are invited. You know these are very formal affairs, and now that we are out of F.T.S we can't act like boys anymore - we are supposed to be gentlemen.
Well I guess I've shot enough line for now, so it's you turn next. By the end of next month I will be a P.O. which is nice because it means an increase of 2/10 or 3s in pay per day. I hope all of you are feeling A1, like myself.
As Ever, Love,
Estelles
Saturday, April 26, 2014
World War II Letters Home April 26, 1939 - Estelles Wickenkamp
School of Navigation
R.A.F Manston, Kent
April 26, 1939
Dear Folks:
Another move is made and I have a new home for at least 10 weeks. Of course now that summer is here, you see I always go to the seaside, ahem!
Doug and I and 2 others got here Sunday, 24th, about midnight. We came in Doug's car and went through London on the south side of the Thames. It is the poorest part of London a few miles. We went past Windsor Castle which is southwest of London a few miles. We went past a huge impressive place. Sometime I am going to go through it.
Our Brize Norton course is fairly well scattered now - to all parts of England, Scotland and Egypt. Four of the Canadians have gone to Egypt - there are only 3 of us left and we are here at Manston. After we are finished here most likely we'll be scattered, I hope not. It is going to be quite nice here especially after the summer resorts open up, which is after Whitsun. Ramsgate and Margate only really live during the summer. They are both a mass of amusement buildings, dance halls and bathing.
This navigation course means a bit of concentration but I don't think it will be overly hard. We will put in about 40 or 50 hours of flying as 1st and 2nd navigator night and day but no piloting. Anyhow, after we are through we will be able to get a 2nd class navigator's certificate - just what I have been after ever since i came over - that's why I went on "heavies". We work Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning, Thursday and Friday. Saturday and Sunday are free so we don't put in such a heavy week.
THURSDAY, 27th
I didn't finish this yesterday so I'll scrawl off a few lines and send it this noon. I just got a letter from Vernon M. He said that Max B. put in his application. Is Esther home yet? I haven't had a letter from any of you for a couple of weeks.
The weather has been quite bright lately but being on the coast it is a bit chill yet. We are living in the same building as the mess here, I am up on the 2nd floor.
Well, I think this will have to be all for this time if I want to get this mailed now.
As Ever, Love
Estelles
R.A.F Manston, Kent
April 26, 1939
Dear Folks:
Another move is made and I have a new home for at least 10 weeks. Of course now that summer is here, you see I always go to the seaside, ahem!
Doug and I and 2 others got here Sunday, 24th, about midnight. We came in Doug's car and went through London on the south side of the Thames. It is the poorest part of London a few miles. We went past Windsor Castle which is southwest of London a few miles. We went past a huge impressive place. Sometime I am going to go through it.
Our Brize Norton course is fairly well scattered now - to all parts of England, Scotland and Egypt. Four of the Canadians have gone to Egypt - there are only 3 of us left and we are here at Manston. After we are finished here most likely we'll be scattered, I hope not. It is going to be quite nice here especially after the summer resorts open up, which is after Whitsun. Ramsgate and Margate only really live during the summer. They are both a mass of amusement buildings, dance halls and bathing.
This navigation course means a bit of concentration but I don't think it will be overly hard. We will put in about 40 or 50 hours of flying as 1st and 2nd navigator night and day but no piloting. Anyhow, after we are through we will be able to get a 2nd class navigator's certificate - just what I have been after ever since i came over - that's why I went on "heavies". We work Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning, Thursday and Friday. Saturday and Sunday are free so we don't put in such a heavy week.
THURSDAY, 27th
I didn't finish this yesterday so I'll scrawl off a few lines and send it this noon. I just got a letter from Vernon M. He said that Max B. put in his application. Is Esther home yet? I haven't had a letter from any of you for a couple of weeks.
The weather has been quite bright lately but being on the coast it is a bit chill yet. We are living in the same building as the mess here, I am up on the 2nd floor.
Well, I think this will have to be all for this time if I want to get this mailed now.
As Ever, Love
Estelles
Friday, April 18, 2014
World War II Letters Home April 18, 1939 - Estelles Wickenkamp
No. 2 Flying Training School
Royal Air Force
Brize Norton, Oxford
April 18, 1939
Dear Folks:
If I don't start writing soon I'll forget how. It is ages since I have written any letters in spite of all my intentions. I was going to write Papa a letter for his birthday and it was too late t get it in time so I was going to send a birthday greeting by Cablegram but decided against it - so in the end i didn't do a thing - very sorry, Dad, but I still wish you many happy returns.
Our armament camp at Catfoss turned out to be a 'wash out'. We had so much fog, low clouds and rain that we only got up a few times. I did 1 bombing exercise and dropped 8 bombs about 60 yards from the target and I did one air-firing exercise. So there wasn't much excitement. We spent most of our time eating and sleeping and going to a few shows and dances. I also read quite a few books.
I flew back from Catoss and arrived here about 1:30. Joe Fraser invited me to spend the week-end with him so I caught the 4:30 train to London where Joe met me - he left here on train about 2 hours before I did. Anyhow, after he met me we went to a club where his family and a few aunts etc. were having dinner - a very elaborate affair, after which we went to a play - (Royal Circle seats) and saw "Quiet Wedding". It was fairly good. Then we went out to Joe's home - a large 3 storey stone house kept by a half dozen servants, butlers, Gardener, etc. The grounds were very nice. Mr. Fraser is very keen on gardening - mostly flowers. On one side is a very pretty rock garden surrounding a small pond. The house is very nice inside with the usual English ways of living. I think I am beginning to like it for some reason or other. I suppose in 4 years I'll be a pronounced Englishman.
We were reminded of meals and tea by the sound of a big brass cymbal that someone pounded on. It could be heard all over the house and all around the grounds. Every morning the butler brought my cup of tea and biscuit and polished my shoes. After having my tea I got up and had my bawth - you see I was in the 'Blue Room'. All in all it was a great week-end, very 'posh' indeed. One afternoon we went over to Sir Frank and Lady Madge's estate. They were out sailing on the lake. After they came in we went up to the house in a beautiful sun room and had some cocktails while we were looking at their tropical fish, etc.. It sure is great the way the people with money live a life of ease over here.
All last week we were dashing around the station returning publications and getting clearance forms signed; also we drew our camp equipment which is ours for good - consisting of a tent, folding cot, blankets and a collapsible bath tub. I only hope we never have to live in it. On the week-end I went home with Joe Fraser again and stayed until Sunday afternoon. His sister had a birthday party on Saturday night so Doug and another Canuck came down for the party and went back that night. I met a coupe of Australian girls there and they were very interesting conversationalists - not the type that is in Canada - they were well educated and of the upper classes. It is really great meeting different kinds of people like that. I never thought that I could appreciate so much, but it is a great education in itself.
One thing that is very noticeable over here is the fact that the young folks have mentality and a viewpoint of persons much older then they are. You would take most of the young people here to be about 5 years older than they are.
The place in London where those wax figures are is Madame Tussuad (spelled something like that). I haven't been there yet but will do sometime and have tea with one of her hostesses. It is a wonderful place to meet people. There are a lot of places in London I haven't been to see yet - but will this summer.
I don't do any mechanical work except give a little advice on some of the boys' cars. After my 4 years are up I am though over here. After that all I do is put in a few weeks flying every in Canadian Air Force, that is unless I happen to get a job over here or get a P.C. (Permanent Commission) which is rather hard. But I think if I get the chance I would take it. Since Esther may be home by now or will be home soon I won't duplicated this letter by writing to P.A. She always writes nice letters and I am glad to hear from her.
We have been having marvelous weather since we left Catfoss, it has been so warm. The trees that did shed their leaves are putting them back on again and blossoms are coming out all over. Soon England will be a mass of flowers and roses again.
Richard, you asked me what the round-shaped thing in the roof was, well, that is a shield and the '2-holes' in it are orange colored lights for lighting up the cabin for night flying - the reason they are orange is that they are not visible to another aircraft. Actually it isn't necessary to use lights as all the instruments are luminous. The reason we have to wear goggles is in case it is raining hard or ice forms on the windscreen and windows - we can put our heads out so that we can see, so we have to have our goggles although I don't suppose they are ever used much. When I am flying alone I just wear my service cap and take my helmet along. The "hood" on the plane doesn't slide back but there are 2 windows on each side that slide back and the triangular window near the front turns open. The windows are made of perspex - a heavy celluloid.
Yes, we get asked a lot of questions about Canada, as usual. Sometimes we tell them the truth and other times we "hand it out" - tell them about the Indians barging in our dances, picnics, etc. and going after our scalps - that's why we carry 6-shooters. That picture Mom sent of the huge grasshopper was pretty good - some of these blokes actually believed it - of course I verified the facts.
(Some more answers) Petrol means fuel - known in Canada as gasoline (or gas). The price runs from 1-5 to 1-11 a gallon that's shillings and pence - now you figure it out - between .34 cents and .38 cents.
I don't know how it feels to have the title "Officer" because I haven't felt it yet - I guess it's just like the title "Farmer".
As far as having a servant - I don't know, but if you mean batman - well, he's indispensable. You know what I mean - I couldn't lower myself by making my bed, cleaning my room, fetching my own water or by putting coal on my fire - that's what 'es for', ahem!
Oh yes, another question to answer: In England you don't cut-up at a dance like around Stenen - Oh! my deah, it simple isn't done - don't you know!
So you think Hitler has everything he wants now do you? And you think he wants peace! Well, let me tell you Hitler isn't half what he wants - neither has Benito. They have both bluffed Chamberlain right properly. As far as war goes he is crazy enough to try anything - but he isn't liking for Britain to growl at him too loud, see! I think if you look at the situation right and if Hitler doesn't come to war soon - well, his day is soon over. He has worked Germany into a fervor and got so far but now what can be do? I think he has found a "cul de sac" or a blind street - he has lost an objective. There might be a few little moves he can make but when that is over so are his big ideas. I don't see how there can be a war but anyway, England is prepared.
For instance, I'll tell you a little bit of official secret dope on our anti-craft guns. The 3.5 (inches) gun has a range of 30,000 feet which is the ceiling of most aircraft and the 4.5 gun has a range of 40,000 feet. I suppose you will say there isn't much chance of hitting an aircraft that high when you can't even see it, and flying anywhere between 200 and 400 m.p.h - well, there isn't, but this is how it works: the aircraft detectors which are super sensitive ears with lots of dials and gauges can tell the height and location of an a/c and the speed and course can be found and knowing the wind speed and direction, everything is accounted for. Then a battery consisting of a 8 guns firing 30 shells a piece per minuted with shells that are timed by some means to explode at a certain altitude start firing. When the first shell burst there are just 32 more already on the way - not very comfortable, I should say. But the main point is (I suppose you are wondering about the direct hit or the shrapnel) - well, there isn't any - but the concussion is so great within the radius of 60 or more yards that it is enough to wreck an a/c. they just get tossed about and caved in like a piece of tissue paper. This is an idea of our anti-aircraft protection, besides which of course there is the balloon barrages within their steel nets and our own defensive fight in a/c.
The Wellington Bombers which I hope to get on have a cruising speed of about 250 to 300 m.p.h. for a period of 18 hours with - i don't know how many tons of bombs. They are equipped with sets (not one) of machine guns front, rear and in the middle - I don't think. Oh well, why worry about war - but am in the mood for writing so I hope you don't mind reading this rubbish.
I bought a cheap English sports coat last week for 15 bob (for Richard's benefit $3.75). They are made of a sort of coarse home-spun yarns - a good jacket coast about 4 5shillings.
About 6 of us on 'heavies' are going to Manston on the 25th of this month. In the meantime we are posted here on super numerary duties. All we do is get up and eat and what ever else we care to do. All it means is that instead of going on leave we have this time for later on instead of taking it off our summer's leave, which I hope we will get after we leave Manston.
Royal Air Force
Brize Norton, Oxford
April 18, 1939
Dear Folks:
If I don't start writing soon I'll forget how. It is ages since I have written any letters in spite of all my intentions. I was going to write Papa a letter for his birthday and it was too late t get it in time so I was going to send a birthday greeting by Cablegram but decided against it - so in the end i didn't do a thing - very sorry, Dad, but I still wish you many happy returns.
Our armament camp at Catfoss turned out to be a 'wash out'. We had so much fog, low clouds and rain that we only got up a few times. I did 1 bombing exercise and dropped 8 bombs about 60 yards from the target and I did one air-firing exercise. So there wasn't much excitement. We spent most of our time eating and sleeping and going to a few shows and dances. I also read quite a few books.
I flew back from Catoss and arrived here about 1:30. Joe Fraser invited me to spend the week-end with him so I caught the 4:30 train to London where Joe met me - he left here on train about 2 hours before I did. Anyhow, after he met me we went to a club where his family and a few aunts etc. were having dinner - a very elaborate affair, after which we went to a play - (Royal Circle seats) and saw "Quiet Wedding". It was fairly good. Then we went out to Joe's home - a large 3 storey stone house kept by a half dozen servants, butlers, Gardener, etc. The grounds were very nice. Mr. Fraser is very keen on gardening - mostly flowers. On one side is a very pretty rock garden surrounding a small pond. The house is very nice inside with the usual English ways of living. I think I am beginning to like it for some reason or other. I suppose in 4 years I'll be a pronounced Englishman.
We were reminded of meals and tea by the sound of a big brass cymbal that someone pounded on. It could be heard all over the house and all around the grounds. Every morning the butler brought my cup of tea and biscuit and polished my shoes. After having my tea I got up and had my bawth - you see I was in the 'Blue Room'. All in all it was a great week-end, very 'posh' indeed. One afternoon we went over to Sir Frank and Lady Madge's estate. They were out sailing on the lake. After they came in we went up to the house in a beautiful sun room and had some cocktails while we were looking at their tropical fish, etc.. It sure is great the way the people with money live a life of ease over here.
All last week we were dashing around the station returning publications and getting clearance forms signed; also we drew our camp equipment which is ours for good - consisting of a tent, folding cot, blankets and a collapsible bath tub. I only hope we never have to live in it. On the week-end I went home with Joe Fraser again and stayed until Sunday afternoon. His sister had a birthday party on Saturday night so Doug and another Canuck came down for the party and went back that night. I met a coupe of Australian girls there and they were very interesting conversationalists - not the type that is in Canada - they were well educated and of the upper classes. It is really great meeting different kinds of people like that. I never thought that I could appreciate so much, but it is a great education in itself.
One thing that is very noticeable over here is the fact that the young folks have mentality and a viewpoint of persons much older then they are. You would take most of the young people here to be about 5 years older than they are.
The place in London where those wax figures are is Madame Tussuad (spelled something like that). I haven't been there yet but will do sometime and have tea with one of her hostesses. It is a wonderful place to meet people. There are a lot of places in London I haven't been to see yet - but will this summer.
I don't do any mechanical work except give a little advice on some of the boys' cars. After my 4 years are up I am though over here. After that all I do is put in a few weeks flying every in Canadian Air Force, that is unless I happen to get a job over here or get a P.C. (Permanent Commission) which is rather hard. But I think if I get the chance I would take it. Since Esther may be home by now or will be home soon I won't duplicated this letter by writing to P.A. She always writes nice letters and I am glad to hear from her.
We have been having marvelous weather since we left Catfoss, it has been so warm. The trees that did shed their leaves are putting them back on again and blossoms are coming out all over. Soon England will be a mass of flowers and roses again.
Richard, you asked me what the round-shaped thing in the roof was, well, that is a shield and the '2-holes' in it are orange colored lights for lighting up the cabin for night flying - the reason they are orange is that they are not visible to another aircraft. Actually it isn't necessary to use lights as all the instruments are luminous. The reason we have to wear goggles is in case it is raining hard or ice forms on the windscreen and windows - we can put our heads out so that we can see, so we have to have our goggles although I don't suppose they are ever used much. When I am flying alone I just wear my service cap and take my helmet along. The "hood" on the plane doesn't slide back but there are 2 windows on each side that slide back and the triangular window near the front turns open. The windows are made of perspex - a heavy celluloid.
Yes, we get asked a lot of questions about Canada, as usual. Sometimes we tell them the truth and other times we "hand it out" - tell them about the Indians barging in our dances, picnics, etc. and going after our scalps - that's why we carry 6-shooters. That picture Mom sent of the huge grasshopper was pretty good - some of these blokes actually believed it - of course I verified the facts.
(Some more answers) Petrol means fuel - known in Canada as gasoline (or gas). The price runs from 1-5 to 1-11 a gallon that's shillings and pence - now you figure it out - between .34 cents and .38 cents.
I don't know how it feels to have the title "Officer" because I haven't felt it yet - I guess it's just like the title "Farmer".
As far as having a servant - I don't know, but if you mean batman - well, he's indispensable. You know what I mean - I couldn't lower myself by making my bed, cleaning my room, fetching my own water or by putting coal on my fire - that's what 'es for', ahem!
Oh yes, another question to answer: In England you don't cut-up at a dance like around Stenen - Oh! my deah, it simple isn't done - don't you know!
So you think Hitler has everything he wants now do you? And you think he wants peace! Well, let me tell you Hitler isn't half what he wants - neither has Benito. They have both bluffed Chamberlain right properly. As far as war goes he is crazy enough to try anything - but he isn't liking for Britain to growl at him too loud, see! I think if you look at the situation right and if Hitler doesn't come to war soon - well, his day is soon over. He has worked Germany into a fervor and got so far but now what can be do? I think he has found a "cul de sac" or a blind street - he has lost an objective. There might be a few little moves he can make but when that is over so are his big ideas. I don't see how there can be a war but anyway, England is prepared.
For instance, I'll tell you a little bit of official secret dope on our anti-craft guns. The 3.5 (inches) gun has a range of 30,000 feet which is the ceiling of most aircraft and the 4.5 gun has a range of 40,000 feet. I suppose you will say there isn't much chance of hitting an aircraft that high when you can't even see it, and flying anywhere between 200 and 400 m.p.h - well, there isn't, but this is how it works: the aircraft detectors which are super sensitive ears with lots of dials and gauges can tell the height and location of an a/c and the speed and course can be found and knowing the wind speed and direction, everything is accounted for. Then a battery consisting of a 8 guns firing 30 shells a piece per minuted with shells that are timed by some means to explode at a certain altitude start firing. When the first shell burst there are just 32 more already on the way - not very comfortable, I should say. But the main point is (I suppose you are wondering about the direct hit or the shrapnel) - well, there isn't any - but the concussion is so great within the radius of 60 or more yards that it is enough to wreck an a/c. they just get tossed about and caved in like a piece of tissue paper. This is an idea of our anti-aircraft protection, besides which of course there is the balloon barrages within their steel nets and our own defensive fight in a/c.
The Wellington Bombers which I hope to get on have a cruising speed of about 250 to 300 m.p.h. for a period of 18 hours with - i don't know how many tons of bombs. They are equipped with sets (not one) of machine guns front, rear and in the middle - I don't think. Oh well, why worry about war - but am in the mood for writing so I hope you don't mind reading this rubbish.
I bought a cheap English sports coat last week for 15 bob (for Richard's benefit $3.75). They are made of a sort of coarse home-spun yarns - a good jacket coast about 4 5shillings.
About 6 of us on 'heavies' are going to Manston on the 25th of this month. In the meantime we are posted here on super numerary duties. All we do is get up and eat and what ever else we care to do. All it means is that instead of going on leave we have this time for later on instead of taking it off our summer's leave, which I hope we will get after we leave Manston.
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