84 Squadron.

Royal Air Force

France

Feb 5th 1919

My dearest Beryl

I think its about time you get another letter from me- I know Ive been very bad at writing but then theres been comparatively little news and what there is generally goes in what I call a general home letter addressed to mother-

I suppose by the time this reaches you Val and Dennis will both be back in Victoria: they are overjoyed at going back and Im sure you’ll all be very glad to see them again. I should so much likes to have been going out with them and although I tried to work it when I was on leave, the Air Ministry wouldn’t hear of it! however my time will come no doubt, sometime this year, about the summer I hope.

I tried to see Handley when I was on leave but he’s gone up to Oxford again and was starting in once more at Keble College- I’m sure I don’t feel like doing any head work after all these “open air” years!

Im so glad I went up to Cologne the other day as I had a most interesting time and I might never get another chance- we have one day per week as a holiday and I think on the next holiday I shall go up to [?] in my car and see the forts etc- they should be quite interesting-

I had a new fellow sent to the squadron yesterday named Kilpatrick- strange to say he’s a cousin of Clifford Kilpatrick in Victoria.

I suppose Jack Stewart is back again by this time isn’t he? I heard that all those who were in hospital were being sent back as quickly as possible.

Ive been chosen to play Rugger for this Brigade and as there are about 16 squadrons in the Brigade I feel it quite an honour- I only hope I can live up to it- The 5 Brigade in France are going to play intra-Brigade matches and then our team is to be chosen from them all to represent the Royal Air Force in France- This team is going to England and will play matches all over the country- wouldnt it be simply splendid fun to get on that team and go & play Rugby in England- I dont think I should manage that though-

I’m getting terribly short of men in the squadron as they are being demobilized so fast and there are hardly enough left to do all the work properly- I hope we all get demobilized soon!

Enclosed is the menu card of the Officers Club & Rest House in Cologne- a large Hun Hotel commandeered and kept up by the city of Cologne-

Much love dear Beryl and write soon

Ever your loving brother

Lance