Letter to David Donaldson from Roy Swinney

Letter to David Donaldson from Roy Swinney

Letter to David Donaldson from G R Swinney (Roy) the wireless operator in the pathfinder crew. He gives news of the crew and various other people at Warboys including the loss of wing commander. Waiting to finish his tour of ops. Additional information about this item was kindly provided by the donor.

1943-11-19

Four page handwritten letter

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E[Author]RDonaldsonDWXX1119

[underlined] Nov 19th [/underlined]
Officers Mess
Warboys
Dear Skipper,
I was highly delighted to receive your letter today, have intended writing you to thank you for the telegram you sent, we've been trying to get up to see you, its rather awkward as the G/C has tightened up on that sort of thing, but we'll make a big effort in the near future.
Ken was here last week, had quite a chat with him, he doesn't alter much, he made us laugh with his descriptions of E.F.T.S. & of course the old question of his sickness arose.
[page break]
Mackie arrived back from C.G.S. Today he's a real gen man now & is Squadron Gunnery [?] Leader as Monty has gone to Washington (U.S.A.) Vic, I'm sorry to say has been in hospital & is seven ops behind Launy & I, he got back today and is ready to press on again. We did our 40th last night to the “big city”, the skipper is doing 57 so we shall have 47 by then. I think that will be quite sufficient for a time, I'm feeling a bit fed up now and would like a rest.
I got engaged last leave & as the gong came through the next day you can imagine what a celebration we had, we are getting married as soon as I finish here.
We're all feeing a little downhearted today as W/C White failed to return last night from his 42nd trip, a big shock to everyone as he was very popular on the Squadron. Incidentally the G/C took our crew to Mannheim the other night, what a trip, he's a straight & level merchant, not so good after you & our present skipper, anyhow we did O.K.
I've enclosed three snaps I thought you might like, especially the one of our insignia on “B” beer.
[page break]
Well “skipper” thats all for now so I'll close hoping you're not too browned off.
What are the chances of getting with you when I finish?
All the best
Yours etc,
[underlined] Roy. [/underlined]
(P.S. Vic, Mac & Launy send their very best regards)