Letter from Glenn Brooks to his mother

Letter from Glenn Brooks to his mother

Glenn has moved to southern England and describes it as more beautiful than Banff. He says the food is better than some of the stations in Canada. He asks about his Dad. He misses milk and eggs.

1943-12-23

An air letter with a handwritten envelope and three handwritten sheets

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EBrooksGWBrooks[Fam]431223-0001, EBrooksGWBrooks[Fam]431223-0002, EBrooksGWBrooks[Fam]431223-0003, EBrooksGWBrooks[Fam]431223-0004

23 Dec 1943: Hello Everyone.
[ed. Glenn has just landed in England on 21 December. He has not yet been transferred to a station or a squadron and so is billeted in a hotel until the selection process has taken place. This letter is postmarked “Plymouth-Pool”, 24 Dec. Plymouth is close to the south-west tip of England in Devonshire.]
Well here I am about to scribble you have a line once more. It is a grand sunny afternoon much like you get in May over where you are. The trees are green and the hedges are beautiful. I think it is the most beautiful spot I have ever seen. It is even more beautiful than Banff.
I am billeted in a hotel in the southern part of England. The food is better than some stations in Canada. I hope it stays this way. It's hard to realize it is only two days away from Xmas with weather like we have here.
The troops are not allowed to travel here at Christmas time. However I hope to get some leave around New Years and I will look up cousin Jack1.
I will be spending Xmas on the station. A special dinner is being served I understand.
I find it hard to get used to seeing traffic on the wrong side of the road. The currency is rather baffling at times. I have been short-changed a few times but understand it better now.
Hope dad is feeling better and you are all in good health. It will be too late to wish you a Merry Xmas when you get this but I know you will have one anyway. I hope to be with you next year.
I didn't get Dora’s picture which she said she had sent. I expect yours are on the way long ago. My mail will be tied up for a while but I should get them eventually. I certainly hope they are not lost.
I would like to thank you for the lovely shirt you sent me. It will be very useful and it fits fine.
Well it's 4:30, time for afternoon tea. I will soon have to go. The tea we get here is pretty weak with a lot of milk and sugar in it. I really don't care much for it.
The only thing I miss over here in my diet is milk and eggs. If I ever see an egg, I'm going to get a picture of it just to look at it. I expect you will be seeing plenty of them everyday.
Well I hope to be home soon. Remember me to everyone around. I'm not very good at writing letters. I don't think I will have any trouble looking up Jack Brooks. Transportation is quite convenient down here. I intend to look up Dora's brother also.
Will say so long for now. Be sure and write. A Happy New Year to all.
Love Glenn
Address: Sgt G M Brooks R198013, RCAF Overseas