Somewhere in England
March 18 1944
Hi Folks:
Because I didn't write sooner can be explained in two excuses. We had to have a lecture on security before we could write, and secondly, it's so beautiful here where we're stationed that there is so much to see, we really haven't had time. But now for a little bit of what's what here.
Outside of the beauty of the country itself there really isn't an awful lot of anything. We're stationed somewhere on the south coast where I said we probably would be. The parks are something to marvel at, seemingly unkept. They are a thing of ravishing beauty with almost tropical growth. At present it's spring here and the walks are lined with crocuses, daffodils and a few tulips. You can go around with practically nothing on and still be hot. Our barracks are on the top of this service town and reminds me a lot of the Edgewater Hotel in Toronto, but we have about a five-minute walk to the hotel for our meals which are exceptionally good. This hotel where we eat is marvelous. Kings, Duchess, Parliament and all the rest have been there.
Received word today that we'd be going on leave next Wednesday, so Ray, Don, Tommy and I are going first to London, then Glasgow and Edinburgh. It will about a week altogether. Our trip over was wonderful. Probably I enjoyed it more because I didn't miss a meal and wasn't sick once although everyone felt rather woozy the first couple of days. We did nothing but eat, sleep & play cards all the way. We left Canada a couple of days after my birthday on a large boat of which I have never heard before, but it was very fast, so traveled without convoy.
Met Cam the first day here, so spent my first night in an English blackout with him. I must say [the blackouts] aren't as complete as our own at home. Cam asked me to remember him to you. He hasn't changed in the least.
Buckeye Harris was on the same boat and I've seen him several times since. We're having quite a time with the currency, but I imagine we'll master it shortly. Everything's one and six or something.
The people though are really wonderful although the Yankees have spoiled a lot for us.
The shortages are many. Boy, how I could go for a good slice of white bread. We could buy shrimp, salmon, fruit bars and boxes of chocolates on the boat, so we stocked up a little. Boy, were my bags heavy going down the gangplank
Haven't done much of anything as yet except listen to a few lectures from the C.O. etc. draw flying clothes and a little documentation, and of course, being a "W", I'm at the end of the queues. There are more autos here than I thought there would be, and it's very difficult to look the right way before you cross the street.
Well, I'm afraid I've run out of news for the present, but do write soon and let me know what's new and how wee Skipper is. As yet I'm not short of anything except cigarettes, so please send some as soon as possible. See if you can get some of these [airmail] folders, as they're rationed & and very scarce here.
Well, I'm afraid I'll have to close now, but do write often. Even though I may get a dozen letters a day, I'll be more than happy. Don't worry about me because I feel wonderful & and am eating like a horse. Don't forget to write soon and often & and let me know if I've said anything I shouldn't have.
Love
Bill
