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  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type bool in oa_core_visibility_data() (line 607 of /app/profiles/viu/modules/contrib/oa_core/includes/oa_core.access.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in oa_core_visibility_data() (line 607 of /app/profiles/viu/modules/contrib/oa_core/includes/oa_core.access.inc).
Date: March 25th 1917
To
Father
From
Wilbert
Letter

36 R. Squadron
PER ARDUA AD ASTRA ROYAL FLYING CORPS,
BEVERLY,
YORKSHIRE.

March 25th 1917

Dear Father,

Last week was quite good in the mail line. I received two letters from home, Feb'r'y 25th and week later. It is quite a relief to hear that all are well and happy.

Personally I am much better every way than I was last week. That is I am in better spirits. We had one good day, I think it was Friday, and I got in some good flying. Yesterday was dull again, so was today, but if we get two real days a week we are very fortunate. Today I was ordered up before lunch but the wireless apparatus was out of order, so the instructor said to go up immediately after lunch. In the meantime a 40 mile wind had sprung up. I knew it was a bit too bad for flying, and there were no other machines up, so I rather hoped I wouldn't need to go. However nothing was said so I got ready, started my engine and was just ready to take off when the instructor ran out and told me not to venture up. I would have gone and could have done it alright but doing wireless in that wind is like trying to drive a car at 50 miles an hour over a rough road and add up a column of figures at the same time. Not very easy. So now I am to have another go at it at 6:30 in the morning. However it is raining and blowing like the mischief now, 10.00 P.M., so it will probably last two days.

Had a letter from Alf two days ago saying that he had arrived safely in France. I am glad he is over safely. It is a miserable trip and had it been a bit rough he would have been sick I am sure. I would like to fly my machine over when I go, but it is quite unlikely. I will probably go as a draft in which case it will be via boat.

I am glad Tom Wood is so at home at our place. It would be very lonesome for the poor chap at his own house when the girls are away. I have intended writing them for ages but never seem to do it. Just explain to them please that I often think of them but writing isn't my strong point.

Mother said something about a snap. I will enclose one, not much of a photo but I got one of the boys to take it about 10 days ago. You will probably be able to recognize me at the right. I am minus a helmet, otherwise ready for the air. That is the coat I lost at Hythe, so you see it is still doing good service. I also have a good leather one like the other three chaps but prefer the Burberry.

I don't understand Trick not paying my premiums. I sent him a lot of money, or rather I cabled Winnipeg bank to give him the money, and other accounts were paid O.K. at the same time. I am sorry you had to bother about it but I shall see that he sends the money on to you. In the meantime thanks very much for looking
after it for me.

The parcel with the colera [sic] belt and the wristlets arrived today. Thank Mother for me please. I now have three of them and if I am cold in France I shall certainly wear them. Mrs Reade gave me two. I see another snap on the table so will stick it in also. It is not very good but may be of interest. It is the bus I am flying at present. Quite a comfortable old thing isn't it?

Well I am sleepy again as usual so must finish up and get to bed. Early rising, as you know, was never one of my strong points, and 6 o'clock comes only too soon.

Lots of love for Mother, Emily and yourself and best wishes for Miss Smith.

Loving son
Wilbert

Original Scans

Original Scans