Letter from Lewis Ellis to his mother and father

Letter from Lewis Ellis to his mother and father

Writes that he had now been commissioned. Talks about uniform and still doing ground school. Mentions that a flight engineer had joined his crew and describes him. Writes about how busy he is with lectures and catches up with family and friends issues.

1944-09-29

Three page handwritten letter and envelope

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EEllisELEllisH-[Fa]440929

[postage stamp] [postmark 29 SEP 1944]

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

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[blank page]

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[RAF Crest]

183959 P/O Ellis E L.
OFFICERS MESS.
ROYAL AIR FORCE.
LINDHOLME.
DONCASTER. YORKS.

Dear Mam & Dad,

As you will see from the address I am now a [sic] officer and a gentleman, in rank anyway.

On Monday morning the C.G.I. sent for me and I was trying to figure out what I had done wrong when he told me to report over to headquarters as my commission had come through. I was very surprised as I was not expecting it so early.

I have not got my uniform yet as we are busy on ground school so I have to manage with my battle dress with the two narrow tapes on the shoulders. I hope to get a [sic] afternoon or so off this weekend to get in to Doncaster to get it but I do not want to miss any of the lectures as they are quite important

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Since I last wrote I have aquired [sic] a new member in the crew, a flight engineer. He is a sergeant, thirty years old, married and a child, and [inserted] he is [/inserted] a Scot. He [deleted letter] is quite a good type and he certainly does not look his age so he should settle down with the rest of the crew O.K.

Last Saturday I got my anual [sic] inoculation but it did not cause me any trouble although it was rather stiff on Sunday.

This week as I have said we are very busy and occassionally [sic] we have to go back for lectures after tea so I do not think I shall be home this weekend so wish our Cyril all the best for me. I cannot send him a card as I have no hopes of getting out to get one.

At the moment I am getting short of shirts and as you can guess I need some clean ones so could you send me

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thoes [sic] two I left at home.

The crew are very pleased about my commission especially Johnny Rae as he now has someone in the mess he can talk to. After the sergeants mess this one is much better although it is just as crowded the food is served up in a much better fastion [sic].

I guess thats all for now,

remember me to all

Your loving son

Lewis,

P.S. Don’t forget my new number

P.S. My allowance will probably start coming through the bank now.

P.S. I was sorry to hear about Fred Belch let me know if you hear anything further and see if you can get me his address.

P.S. I hope our Charlie is OK now.

Lewis.