Basic RAF Training: 20th May 1943 to 29th June 1943
Letters sent from home to Don during his basic RAF training.
22/5/43
Dear Don,
We were very pleased to receive your letter this morning. It was indeed a tonic to us all to hear you were fixed up so quickly and sincerely trust you will be happy in your new surroundings.
Bert has told us that Les has passed his medical Grade 1 and he will not be surprised if he does not go to Cardington for his few days in a week or two’s time.
I phoned Doris on Thursday morning, for news. She told me her mother has had her operation and is progressing fairly well and Beryl was quite alright.
Ern Xray appears satisfactory, and he has been advised to get out into the sun etc. He has seen Bennett and will soon be starting on his teeth.
He had a day with Jean at Laindon yesterday, and we all hope to go tomorrow (Tuesday). Our thoughts will be with you as they have been all the time since Tuesday.
We have not received your parcel yet, but as you know everything will be straightened out when we receive it.
We have had several noisy nights but have only got up on one or two occasions.
Ern has seen Marsden about the Piano. Aunt Maud (Ovens) called yesterday for the photos of the wedding and has informed us Stan has gone to Lincolnshire.
How have you arranged about laundry? Anything you send will soon be done and posted back quickly.
We hope the food will continue to be good and that you will enjoy it.
I expect you will soon be an expert in the art of cleaning buttons etc and that the marching etc will soon become a pleasure.
I asked Jean if she wanted to say anything but she thought she would not ask for a black eye.
However, you know our combined good wishes go to you and also hope the time will go pleasantly and quickly.
With all our Love from Mum & Dad
24/5/43
Dear Don,
We were so pleased to receive your first letter last Saturday morning, it was such a relief for it seemed ages since you went but now it is not so bad.
I am glad you are doing your best to make the best of things and that you like your Sergeant, it will help you so much more and how nice for him to be complimented on your marching after only a couple of days.
We are also pleased to know your food is good.
Dad Jean Ern & myself had a nice day at the Bungalow yesterday and Mr Crockett inquired after you and was pleased to know you are getting on ok.
If you have to do your own darning don’t pull the wool too tight in fact leave it loose as it shrinks in the wash.
If you possibly can send your washing home, do so and I will get it done quickly and post it back to you.
Ern and Jean called on Doris Saturday evening and Beryl is still ok and Mrs Keyes was improving.
Beryl was calling Ern, Donald, so Doris said that’s not Donald that’s Ernie so she said Ernie Donald she would have your name in it.
We are wondering what she will say when she sees you in uniform.
It is now 1.30 Monday and your parcel has just arrived everything ok we have also had two letters this morning one first post the other 11.30, so I am hoping you are now feeling much better after your vaccination and inoculation.
We are pleased to hear that you have been able to have a bash on the piano, also that you have met a Clarinet player, we can see you having a band of your own soon.
Yes we have got all the long grass cut at Laindon Dad finished it yesterday so now it will be quite easy each week just to run the mower over it. The potatoes are doing well, also there are some tiny apples on the tree.
Jean and I were able to bring home some lovely yellow and blue Iris from the three beds in front of the bungalow, also some Roses and lupins, I have taken some to Floss this morning and she was so pleased.
I will pass your enclosed note on to Bert when he comes home this evening.
Well Don I think this must be all this time as we want to get your parcel away. Dad will be writing later, so with love and best wishes, and may the best of luck be with you in everything you have to do.
I remain your loving mother xxxxxxxx
26/5/43
Dear Don,
I received your letter of the 24th this morning, and I hope by this time you have received the parcel and found everything ok.
We are pleased to hear the food is good and trust it will continue so and that you will have plenty of the things you enjoy.
I expect you are going through it during the early part, but stick it out cheerfully, and I hope soon, the rough time will be forgotten.
I am glad you feel no ill effects from the inoculation.
I am sending the book you require, the enclosed letter came this morning. I am writing this at the shop as I want to get it posted early, so mum can say a few words when I get home dinnertime.
I cannot write a long letter with so many interruptions, but I felt I did not want to wait till tonight I know you will understand.
I am now just off home to dinner and shall pass this to mum to continue with the best of all wishes.
From Dad.
Dear Don
I was so glad to hear from you again this morning, and to know you are feeling o.k. now, after inoculation.
I hope you have received your parcel by now, with Ern & my letters.
Aunt Lilie called again last night (Tuesday) to know how you were getting on, she was very pleased to hear you were taking things cheerfully and that you are having good food.
All the best Son From your loving Mum
27/5/43
Dear Don,
Replying to your letter of the 25th which we received this morning, I am very glad you have adopted a philosophic attitude and I trust the off days will be few and far between.
I trust you have had no ill effects from the toe, I suppose you report any little mishaps, in case of complications.
Don’t worry too much about the drill book, you will be surprised how it will all come to you, and after a few weeks you will look back on these few weeks as a little nightmare, and then will soon be forgotten in the studies that you will be best fitted, I shall be more than pleased when the next 3 or 4 weeks have passed.
I suppose you will make the 40 fags do for the week especially during training, so as to keep your chest and lungs free.
Have noted your remarks about allowances, I shall let you know at once, if we hear anything.
Ern has been to hospital this morning, and the Doctor said he can go back to work.
I rang Walter, to inquire after Mrs Keyes and she hopes to be out of hospital next Monday. Also he told me Doris would be coming here this afternoon.
We do not know if Albert has left Gib yet, I think Ern is going to write him per Air Mail.
Doris, Beryl & Jean have just arrived, and I have given them your address, I expect they will be writing you.
Ern has found another tin box (for Soap) he is going to enamel it, to save it going rusty, and I will send it to you later on.
I hope you sleep comfortably, now you have found your ideal way of making a bed, I know you will keep cheerful & happy, although this period of strenuous training is no doubt a bit trying, I feel sure you will derive great benefit, and have a brighter outlook very soon.
I hope you have received parcel etc and anything else you require, you have only to let me know, and I will see you get it.
I think this is all this time, so wishing you all the best, and sincerely hoping you will keep fit & well. All our love, and kind thoughts from Mum & Dad.
P.S. Jeans nephew (Freddie) has been called up for the army and has to go to Colchester next Thursday.
31/5/42
Dear Don,
We were pleased to hear from you this morning (Monday) and while I was sorting out the music you require, your parcel came at 10.30.
I shall be unable to give Bert your message as he went away for his holiday yesterday (Sunday).
Your mum washed the handkerchief immediately they arrived and am returning them together with four (4) others, two (2) of them you can dump after using them.
Well Don, I am at home this week, we will be going down to Laindon on one or two days I shall be in the City today, and shall post your music from there, hoping you will receive it quicker.
We had a fine day at Laindon yesterday. We arrived there in a lovely storm, but it cleared up as we started from the station and turned out very warm.
Ern has started work today.
Has your toe got alright? And are you feeling fit and well?
By the way, would you like your rubber shoes sent on.
I checked the things in parcel, and everything was alright.
I think this is all this time. Wishing you all the best. Love from Mum & Dad
1/6/43
Dear Don,
We were pleased to receive your welcome letter this morning.
I trust you have received parcel o.k. that was a quick job your mother washed & ironed the Hankies while I was writing your letter, and as I was going to the City, I thought I would post it at Fenchurch St. so I expressed it to save keeping you waiting. You mentioned 18 pieces & the other two, but to give you all you required totalled up to 21. I have received another one from Chappels “Take the World Just As You Find It” & “I’ve heard That Song Before.”
Now for the rest of my programme yesterday, I had to go up the other end, and when I came back I called on Doris she told me she had written you, and also her mother is now out of hospital, and is going along fairly well.
Mum & I hope to go to Laindon tomorrow (Wednesday) and return Thursday evening.
We are very pleased to hear you have got over the weekend, I expect you look strange with your new haircut, what a save in Brylcreem.
Now as regards washing, if you are not satisfied with the RAF, send it home.
I will see about some more labels etc when I get back to work next week.
I am glad about your shoes but let me know when you want another pair sent, don’t wear them too long without being repaired.
As regards Ern & the Hospital, I think myself he has been worrying, and the Xray has seemed to satisfy him, also now he knows the inside trouble was due to his teeth, he seems much more cheerful.
I take it you wanted the pyjama trousers returned.
Ern will give Jean your message as regards Freddie.
How did you enjoy your dip in the sea? Does it please you now it is discontinued?
I am glad you did not require any dental treatment and I hope your chest & lungs are ok.
Let me know if you run short of cash or anything else you require, it will make us happy to know you are not short of anything you may require.
I suppose by now you have got plenty of pals, and that you are able to enjoy yourself in your spare time.
It seems a long time since you went, but to receive and send letters, helps things considerably.
We all hope you will keep fit & well and that the time will pass quickly & pleasantly.
Joyce told mum a letter came for Bert, but they won’t be able to forward it, as they haven’t got his address.
The weather today is very changeable, and I am glad we put off going to Laindon, today.
What sort of weather are you having?
I am going to work next Saturday afternoon as that is the busiest time, they are very pleased with my suggestion and I shall have a day for it when you come home.
I know Ern will be pleased to read your very interesting letter when he comes home tonight.
I think this is all at present so will conclude with our usual kind thoughts and much love from Mum & Dad.
2/6/43
Dear Don,
We came down to Laindon today (Wednesday) by the 11.10 from Barking, and found your letter waiting for us.
No doubt by now you have received the parcels, and you know we are only spending a couple of days here.
In the first place, the weather had not been too good and in the second place we guessed you would be requiring music etc, so it has all happened for the best.
We will be returning tomorrow (Thursday) evening.
On Monday I had to go up the other end, and on Tuesday the weather was rough we only got as far as Green St in the afternoon for a little shopping. Today we have not been able to do anything in the garden as it’s been raining best part of the time and is very windy.
Well Don we were very sorry to learn you have been queer, and sincerely hope you have completely recovered.
No doubt it is reaction of the last few days.
We trust you had a fairly easy time of it Monday evening and that you found a soft job.
You will be pleased to learn your bookkeeping certificate has been found, mum came across it while she was looking through some books in the desk this afternoon. You will remember I told you it would turn up. I thought it would be down here, if not, with my other papers etc in the safe at the shop.
It is now 10.30 and we are going to bed, hoping for a fine day tomorrow.
Thursday Morning
Today has opened fairly good, but still windy. Mum is cleaning up the Bungalow, while I am busy outside, but before I start I am getting this posted off.
Well cheerio & all the best love from Mum & Dad
4/6/43
Dear Don,
We were very pleased to hear from you this morning and as regards your letter to Laindon, which we received when we arrived at 10 o/c everything seems to have gone according to plan.
We got home last night (Thursday) about 10 pm. Both days were not too good as regards weather, but we were able to have a good clean up and also I managed to disentangle your scotch gold ball, after a couple of hours? Now we are looking forward to the time when you can get it in a tangle again.
I trust the envelopes I have made will be useful for the music & stationery, and we both wish you luck for your audition tonight. I am glad you are able to cheer yourself up with the music, and I hope you will continue to have good times.
Also, it pleases us to learn you are ok. (chest etc) and hope you are not feeling any ill effects from the vaccinations.
Mum received your allotment this midday post (3 weeks) 21/- this, pending a call from the authorities, shall let you know result after the calls.
I should imagine you are getting quite handy with the needle, what with making beds etc you should make a good wife.
My week off is nearly ended, as I told you I am going in tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon, it has been a pleasure to have the time to answer your letters immediately they have been received.
I note your remark re washing, you can rest assured this will be returned at the earliest.
Anything you require, do not hesitate to send for.
Many of the neighbours etc have made enquiries about you, I saw Mrs Donovan the other day, she tells me Len is still waiting to be called up.
I think this is all at present so will say Cheerio & much love from Mum & Dad.
7/6/43
Dear Don,
We received your letter this morning and parcel just before dinner time.
Mum wondered where your socks are, do you do them yourself or send them to the laundry.
The things seem very nice and we hope you are comfortable in them. We will try and get them off to you tomorrow.
I hope things will continue well with you and that everything will go ok for Wednesday, and we sincerely hope you will get the luck to be posted to South Kensington.
How are you getting on with shaving etc? can you get blades in the NAAFI.
Ern will probably be starting on his teeth this week, he is going to have a top plate and the bottom will be scraped & cleaned etc.
We all went to Laindon yesterday, it was not a bad day just one or two showers, and both mum & I done sufficient work in the garden to make us tired.
Ern expects you have received Jeans letter by now, he is remarking your things where they have gone a bit faint, and mum will see to the buttons.
Now as regards the linen bags you require, can you give me the size you require, do you want them made similar to a pillowcase, with a draw string.
We shall then know how much linen to get, so as we can have them ready whenever you want them.
I started work today, after breaking myself in Saturday afternoon, so I was unable to answer your letter till I got home this evening, last week I was able to answer them directly we received them, but I know you will understand this.
Well Don, I think this all this time, as I want to get this off tonight.
The parcel I hope to get off tomorrow, dinner time which I trust you will receive ok.
Wishing you all the best
Much love from Mum & Dad
8/6/43
Dear Don,
Many thanks for the letters this morning, and also for the kind remembrance of the 8th.
I am writing this at the shop as I want to get the parcel off when I go home to dinner. So please excuse pencil.
You must show better form when next you are on the putting green
I suppose the show you went to made a change in spite of getting you there under false pretences.
I hope to let you know soon about the Gov’t allowance, mum has had a note to the effect they will be calling today.
Ern found some timber in the shed at Laindon on Sunday, so I suppose that will be a start towards the gramophone.
I cannot suggest anything about a crease for trousers unless you are allowed to put them under your mattress at night.
I will see about suspenders and RAFVR papers * and am sending the book on badges, Ern thinks there may be some more added since this was published.
I am afraid this is all I can stop for now, having so many interruptions.
Well Cheerio, & all the very best, hoping you will receive parcel ok.
Much love from Mum & Dad
P.S. Let us know how the collars suit, will you want them stiffer?
*are the enclosed papers what you want?
10/6/43
Dear Don,
I hope you received your parcel and found everything in order.
As regards the RAFVR papers, I did not have much time to sort out, but I hope you found what you required, & what you don’t want you can send back.
You see, mum wanted to post your parcel on Tuesday afternoon, as she was going out Wednesday, to Orpington with Doris to see Mrs Keyes (who by the way is looking & feeling very much better) at Ethel & Fred’s House.
They had a very nice day out, but it was marred by Beryl injuring two of her fingers, I don’t think it is as bad as they first thought.
Doris took her to the doctor this morning and when I rang her up she told me there was nothing to worry about and hoped they would soon be alright.
If you should get in touch with a wireless operator, who came to Skegness just over a week ago Eric Newman of Fowey Avenue Ilford you can mention a Mrs Bates of Fillbrook Rd Leytonstone told me. He is a young fellow about 22.
Re your allotment, mum had a visitor on Tuesday, and there will be no Government allowance, the 21/- she has received, will have to be worked out the 3/6 week ratio. I just tell you this, as I thought you would like to know, anyway this will be put by for you. How are you going on as regards expenses? I shall be pleased to at any time, you want any cash.
I sincerely hope you are feeling fit & well and have got quite used to your duties, and do not find anything irksome.
We did not go to Laindon today as I felt too tired so I thought I would have a rest. Perhaps we will have a couple of days this weekend.
Mum has sent the enclosed which she knows you will find useful.
Cheerio & much love from Mum & Dad
P.S. Friday Morning
Have just received your letter. Photos good shall be writing again later. DAD
11/6/43
Dear Don,
Mum thanks you for your remembrance of today also, we were both pleased with the photos and think they are very good.
I hope you soon felt alright after your run. I have no doubt, after a little more training, you will be quite an expert of course, time is young yet.
Bert called this evening to see your Photo and he thinks it is quite good, he told me he has received the music, and he will let me have your part.
I expect by now you have received Jeans letter.
I am very glad you have got the papers you wanted, I was not quite sure which were the ones so I thought you would sort out what you required and return the others for safekeeping.
Mum has duly noted the collars will require a little extra stiffening, and also she will be pleased to do your socks. I suppose you feel more comfortable now your under clothes have been washed, they are certainly a nice quality.
What sort of subjects do they have at the night school.
I hope you have an enjoyable time during wing week, and I hope some good will come out of seeing the W.O. it is a pity you drew the wrong slip, but I suppose this is one of the things that are sent to try us but take it in the right spirit & better luck next time.
Are you able to get boot polish, or do you want us to send your some.
Doris & Beryl came this afternoon and am pleased to say Beryl is quite her old self (full of mischief)
I think this is all this time, and hope you are keeping well & happy.
With our usual kind thought & much love from Mum & Dad.
14/6/43
Dear Don,
Have received your new address and have passed it on to Bert.
I wrote you on Thursday evening (posted early on Friday morning) and another letter on Friday evening, which would go out early on Saturday morning, I hope you have received both these.
We are glad you like your new quarters, and we are proud to know you have passed out, keep your spirits up and the fine determination to master things, will help you considerably.
We hope the training at Laindon will help you with the gardening – what sort of a weekend did you have? I don’t suppose it was much like holiday time, we have just come home from Laindon, we went yesterday morning, Jean & Ern came with us. The weather was fairly good with the exception of one or two showers.
We got home by 9 o/c (trains crowded) and had a lovely downpour soon after we got in.
Both mum & I sincerely hope you will get into the band. I know this will make you happy.
As regards the tie Bert is getting, do you want me to send it on to you.
I have noticed your remark about quick changing. I must show that to Ern when he comes home.
Well Don I feel like bed now, but I simply had to reply to your letter, so as I can get it posted as I go out in the morning.
Trusting you will have a good share of luck in all matters, and trusting you are keeping fit & well.
Cheerio & all our love from Mum & Dad.
16/6/43
Dear Don,
Received parcel yesterday (Tuesday) and am returning today and trust you will find everything ok. What about the bottle, (a bit risky) and you did not say return it. Anyway let me know if you want it.
I have put your papers back in the file (RAFVR)
Beryl, I am pleased to say is going on alright.
I saw Bert and he has given the two pieces of music. (You and the Waltz and I) (Dancing Daisy the Dairy Maid) (There’s a Harbour of Dream Boats) (Taking a Chance on Love) also I have received from Cinephonic one copy “Seven Days of Heaven”.
I expect you have received my letter, detailing the events of the weekend and Jean cannot understand why you have not received hers, she posted it on June 9th.
Trusting you will receive the undermentioned safely and in good time.
With our usual kind thoughts and love. Cheerio from Mum & Dad.
Papers 4 Hankies vest
Shirt 2 collars Gym Slip
Towel Pyjama trs 1 suspender (Repaired
2 prs sox pants
Have just received your of the 14th . Am glad you made the best of it during the weekend Dad.
19/6/43
Dear Don,
I am sending the music I have received to date including the two numbers Bert brought over.
Well Don I suppose you are rather glad you have got out of the Guard, and I sincerely hope you will get in the band.
The time is going on and I suppose after the six weeks, things will be easier for you. I hope this will be the case.
Yesterday was a better day, rained best part and it does not look too good for Laindon tomorrow, but we are hoping for the best.
Your black tie is not in very good condition so I will try and get another for you.
I have had the tie (Blue) from Bert and have settled for it.
It is nice to know you had a good tuck in but when you have to wait so long, I suppose you can create an appetite.
Ern has not started having his teeth out yet, he has been waiting to hear from the Prudential etc.
As regards the Photos, Ern has got one, so can you suggest who shall have the other one.
As regards these fabulous? sums of money you are receiving, please do not go short of anything you require, and don’t be afraid to let me know when you want any.
I think this is all at present as time is getting on & must get off to work.
So cheerio and all our love Mum & Dad.
23/6/43
Dear Don,
I am more than sorry at the result of your audition, I can guess how you feel, but cheer up, perhaps it is all for the best, it is quite possible when you get sent to another place, things will be altogether different and you will come into your own again.
Miss Elson wishes to be remembered to you. She enquired after your welfare and I told her about your luck, i.e. the audition.
I hope you are getting fitter & stronger, and that you will be able to keep the pace and I trust you do not get your headaches now.
Ern has received a very cheerful letter from Albert who is still at Gibraltar, he talks about the various kinds of fruit he gets. It just make our mouths water.
I hope the weather has changed for you, the last few days has not been too bad. We had a pretty good day at Laindon on Sunday, but it was a bit windy anyway the sun burned Erns knees.
Yesterday was not a bad day as regards weather but a very tiring day for me and I hope you will not think too bad of me for not replying to your letter at once.
Mum was a bit worried at not receiving your parcel on Monday, so I told her I would delay posting your letter till dinner time today, hoping in the meantime to received parcel.
I think this is all at present, so will conclude with all our love and best wishes. From Mum & Dad.
P.S. have received parcel which shall receive the usual attention and will be returned at the earliest.
23/6/43
Dear Don,
Herewith I am sending parcel which I trust you will receive in good time.
The enclosed I expect you will find useful.
I trust you are keeping fit & well and things in general are going well with you.
I have received from the Victoria, The Smiths & Jones.
How did the Rifle flight go off, I hope you did not get any alerts.
We have had several lively nights since you have been away, but on most occasions we have been too tired to get up.
I had a very interesting letter from my old colleague Mr Wells, who is out in Africa, he always wanted to go abroad but I expect he had had more than he wants, things are a bit easier for him now, and he is wondering what next is in store for him.
I got up late this morning so I have got to get a jerk on.
With all our love & kind thoughts,
From Mum & Dad.
Dear Don
I am very pleased to hear that your flight is on the winning side for the various events, & I hope you do not feel any ill effects from the training, some of the things you get up to would just about suit me.
Well Don keep cheerful and I hope these browned-off feelings are not of long duration.
I hope you have received parcel safely and found everything ok.
Ern has got your gramophone ready. He saw Marsden about a week ago, but he has not been round yet.
When I was in the Broadway on Wednesday evening, I saw the cadets march pass and I am sure I saw Rickey in the ranks, he had got 3 stripes up.
Have you written, or heard anything from the office?
We had a visitor last night “Nick” Powder, he tells us he registered last Saturday, and wants to go in the navy, he wishes to be remembered to you.
Jean will be writing you again, she is sorry you did not receive her letter. She told me one of her sisters-in-law sent a letter with a pound note in it, which got lost, but I think it is always advisable to register cash.
What have you been up to with your socks, do you get them replaced when they are worn or do you get them only at certain times, I mention this in case the darns effect your feet when marching.
Well Don, I think this is all at present and I wish you a happy and cheerful weekend. I see the six weeks will be up on Tuesday, and I hope things will be easier for you.
With love & best wishes from Mum & Dad
28/6/43
Dear Don,
I have today received your letters of the 25th & 26th also parcel.
I am pleased you have had a few days easy time, I should certainly like it to continue for you but I know you will take the rough with the smooth in a good spirit.
As regards the posting, I can only hope & pray you will be lucky and get to Sth Ken.
Mr Wells is in the R.A.S.C.
Stan Ovens came in the shop today, and brought a photo of the wedding group, he was going to see his mother and is returning from his leave tonight.
He has been shifted several times, since his wedding. He wishes to be remembered to you and hopes you will be lucky in your posting.
We hope you had a happy weekend.
We were at Laindon yesterday, it was a very nice day, although it was dull first thing in the morning.
I have just got over a very busy time, half yearly stocktaking, at the shop now I can forget it again till xmas.
I have received some more music and I expect you would like to know the titles.
Noel Gay I’ve got you before my eyes
Why say goodbye
Feldman The Lady that Didn’t believe in Love
Partners
Out of this World
Three Dreams
Victoria The Smiths & Jones
Sharp as a Jack
I hope to get your parcel off tomorrow (Tuesday) and trust you will receive it in good time.
I think this is all this time, so will wish you Cheerio and all the best.
Love & kind thoughts from Mum & Dad
After this letter he was posted to South Kensington for his Radar training and was able to go home every weekend and sometimes for a night during the week, therefore there are no further letters from home until 21st March 1944 when he was posted to 107 squadron at Larkham.