#51

Feb. 21. 1945.

Dear Mother:

I have recently moved again though am still in the country. It is sort of the final jumping off spot. The train ride here was most scenic through very rugged country most of the way. One station we passed was Gleneagles which is golf renowned isn’t it. On the way I stayed two nights in Inverness. It was a rather quiet time since one of the days was Sunday and nothing opens in this country on the Sabbath day. Only my navigator and I stayed in Inverness since the rest of the crew thought a detour into Glasgow would be more acceptable despite a late arrival on a Sat. nite. As we were all travelling on a single warrant it made it a bit awkward. The boys took the warrant and we passed as members of F/L Bellis’ crew some of whom like mine, had gone on.

You ask why the B.B.C. never mentions our exploits yet often tells of Lancasters and Hollies. Well the reason is they fall into Germany quite a lot so they are no secret to anyone.

The snaps of the new barn have arrived. It has made a great difference to the place—much more than I’d expected.

Many thanks for your birthday wishes. There were several parcels waiting at the P.O. when I left the station but as I was packed I left them to be forwarded as they are most likely cigs. I am still getting these from you though the new system is supposed to be in force.

I had some very bad news from the squadron. Jack McLennon (ex-Kelowna) who was my closest friend there, and all his crew, were killed in a crash.

I had a Christmas card yesterday. It was from S/L Bert Swann (Calgary) who recently went back to Canada. He is in Vancouver now working on post war aviation.

Glad to hear L. Collett has been promoted. All auditors seem to dislike travelling.

We are all binding hard for leave but chances seem very slim despite the fact that it is almost three months since we last had any and God knows when the boys will see their families again if we don’t get any.

Are you getting more snow now. Ours has gone and it has warmed up quite a bit for which I am very thankful as we are back to the old routine of unheated classrooms.

With love from
Tony

[Editor’s note: Transcription provided by collection donor.]