801 F.F. Squadron
R.N.A.S. Donibristle
Fife Scotland

January 31, 1940.

Dear Mother:

I received a dozen letters yesterday which were very welcome indeed -one of yours being written on October 21.

You can catch me for awhile at R.A.F. Station Evanton Scotland, but as long as you state 801 Squadron, it should reach me in time.

Aunt Ida had sent me two letters from Toronto and Blatchford had written to tell me of Overall's death.

Blatchford's sub flight of three Spitfires had shot down a Nazi bomber over the North Sea. Actually Sgt. Shipman finished it off, but all had a hand in it. Dad has just written to say that Blatchford's picture appeared in Edmonton papers.

I have just spent some time in a Link Trainer - very ingenious blind flying instructor. It is actually harder to blind fly than an actual aeroplane and once mastered, aircraft present little trouble. It is an American invention and cost the British government £2,000 each or $10,000. All governments, including Germany and Italy, use them.

I met a chap yesterday who had visited my old R.A.F. Squadron. A more cool, competent lot he had never seen. You just had to watch them take off to know that it was goodbye Hun if he was ever seen.

Very glad to hear that Jean is doing so well at school and having a good time at the weekend.

I haven't got a great coat here in Scotland. That and a lot of heavy gear is still coming from somewhere unless!

Still I have a warm Mack.

Love

Bill

P.W. A Lieutenant Charles H. Quinn of Aircraft Battle Force, Fighting Squadron THREE, United States Navy has written to 801 to exchange flying badges. He enclosed one worth $1.00. He will make up the difference. Ours cost about $5.00 - Ouch! He writes from San Diego California. He is starting a collection, so we will present him with one and ask him when he is joining on.