Letter to Lewis Ellis from Gus Knox

Letter to Lewis Ellis from Gus Knox

Writes that his last letter to Lewis had been returned address unknown. Expects there would be a rush over there into civil aviation as the war was now over. Comments on possibilities in civil aviation. Says he was still flying in transports and was very busy. Mentions some of his activities and plans to get commercial licence. Speculates of future of civil aviation in New Zealand and Pacific area. Mentions his family are all well and preparing for Christmas.

1945-11-06

Three page handwritten letter and envelope

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EKnoxATEllisEL451106

[postage stamp] [postmark 19 NO 45]

[inserted] 11/45 [/inserted]

F/O E.L. ELLIS.
54 WULFRIC RD.
SHEFFIELD 11
YORKSHIRE
ENGLAND
U. K.

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I.

11 Hasbury Ave.
Epson.
Auckland S.E.3.
New Zealand.

6.11.45.

Dear Lew,

I really must apologise for not writing for so long. The last letter I wrote you was returned – address unknown. It had been to Air Ministry and several R.A.F. stations but they apparently had no record of you.

Much water has flowed under the bridge since Paulson days and we have seen the end of the war at last. I suppose there is a rush over there now for civil aviation jobs, I have met several R.A.F.T.C. types out this way flying RY3’s and C54’s. They are set for [deleted] at [/deleted] “civil-air” now, but the fellows coming off bombers etc., will have a bit of a scramble.

I am still flying in transport

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and we have loads of work to do. I have done the odd trip to Australia and of course know my way around the Islands blindfolded now. We came back ten days ago after three weeks in Hawaii, we had a few V.I.P.’s on board.

I am taking a course shortly for my commercial license, and our squadron is changing over to a civil Government owned airline. We are to fly internal routes as well as schedules to Australia, Fiji and maybe to Hawaii. The money question is not quite settled yet but the pay is about the same as [deleted word] Air Force rates. We are going to use Douglas C47’s for a start and after that I don’t know what!

The family are all OK., your namesake, “young Lewis” is getting a size now, he can talk a bit now and of course gets into

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all the mischief imaginable. My wife sends you her regards, no she tells me she sends her love, how about that!!

Xmas is getting close now, and I have been spending my time at home making a toy lawn mower, dolls bed, trucks, etc for the kids, the price in the shops of toys is very high so I made my own and I think they are better than the bought ones.

Well Lew, guess that runs me out of news, so I’ll wish you and yours a Merry Xmas, and all the very best in the New Year.

Cheerio for now

Yours

Gus.