Letter from Lewis Ellis to his mother and father

Letter from Lewis Ellis to his mother and father

Writes about journey to Derby and new station (RAF Burnaston). Mentions first flight doing aerobatics, but none since due to weather. Comments on dance at the station with WAAFs and civilians.

1944-01-26

Two page handwritten letter and envelope

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EEllisELEllisH-[Fa]440126

[postage stamp] [postmark 26 JAN 1944]

Mrs H Ellis
54, Wulfric Rd.,
Manor
Sheffield 2
Yorks.

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[RAF crest]

1238597 Flt/Sgt E L Ellis
R.A.F. Station
Burnaston
Derby

Dear Mam & Dad,

After leaving home on Monday morning, I caught the “mail” in a very few minutes as it left Intake at 03:30. Mr Tomlinson was on the same tram.

When I got to the station I had to wait quarter of a [sic] hour for the fellow from Shiregreen and then for the train which did not come until 4:50. We arrived in Derby about six and found the taxis had stopped running and that the next bus was at 7:50 which meant we would not get in in time so we caught another bus and had about three miles to walk extra to our usual walk. We got back to camp a [sic] five to eight.

On Monday I went up for the

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first time and spent an hour and a half doing aerobatics which was quite a change as I had not done any since I left Virden. My instructor is O.K. and he says I have not forgotten how to fly so I guess we will get on O.K.

Only one or two of the boys got up that morning as flying was washed out pretty early on and it has been unfit for flying ever since but we are hoping it will be alright in the morning.

Last night there was a dance on the station and forty WAAFs and thirty civilians were brought up from town so it went off quite well.

I guess thats about all for now.

Hoping to see you on Friday

Your loving son

Lewis

P.S. Excuse writting [sic] as I am writting [sic] on my bed.