Letter to David Donaldson from P Chisholme

Letter to David Donaldson from P Chisholme

Writes of the impending disestablishment of 100 Group and telling a little of the history. Goes on to say that he has opened a subscription list for a leaving presentation or the A.O.C. Suggest £1.00 for wing commanders and above and 10 shillings for squadron leaders and below. Is sending letter to all squadron and station commanders. Stresses no obligation to contribute.

1945-06-12

One-page typewritten letter

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EChisholmePDonaldsonDW450612

[inserted] 3) 26
[deleted] Subscription [/deleted] [inserted] £1.00. [/inserted] sent 18/6/45 [/inserted]
[underlined] PERSONAL [/underlined]
Headquarters, No.100 Group,
R.A.F. Station,
Bylaugh,
East Dereham,
Norfolk.
12th June, 1945.
Dear Donaldson
As you know, the life of this Group is limited. It is, sad to say, being 'folded up' and in a few months time it will be non-existent. We will all be scattered, many of us with even less braid or even no braid, many of us with fewer rings (or perhaps more but less imposing rings) round our arms and some of us with bowler hats on our heads.
The build up and life of the Group has been rapid and vivid and we all know in our heart of hearts that its job was well done. We know in our heart of hearts – though we do not and must not brag about it – that the Group's efforts efforts have been rewarded by a reduction in the fund of misery
that is caused by war losses. The magnitude of this reduction can only be guessed at but from what I have learned in the last few weeks from the Hun's themselves it must have been considerable.
Before very long we will be losing our A.O.C., the engineer of the Group's build-up, effort and effect. I expect that you, like I myself, would like to know, when we have been disbanded and have scattered, that he has something by which he will remember us and the 18 months of his Group's career. I am sure that you, like I, would like to show him in some fitting way, our esteem and great regard.
I have talked this over with one or two people and have decided to open a subscription list, the proceeds of which would go to the purchase of a salver on which would be an appropriate inscription and the facsimile signatures of the subscribers.
I am sending this letter to the Officer Commanding 80 Wing, to all Station Commanders and to all Unit Commanders besides the old hands in this Headquarters. I would suggest that a sum of £1.0..0. from Wing Commanders and above and 10s.0d. From Squadron Leaders and below would be adequate to cover the cost of the salver and the engraving.
I am more than anxious that there should be no feeling whatever of obligation in this matter. It will be, so far as I can gather from those to whom I have already spoken, a spontaneous gift, or a gift as near spontaneous as one can be that is suggested; but these ideas must have some organisation and co-ordination and that accounts for this letter. If anyone has objections, I sincerely ask them to ignore this letter.
I would ask those who wish to contribute to send their contributions, together with a facsimile signature (without rank) to:-
Squadron Leader Carpenter,
Headquarters, no 100 Group.
Yours sincerely,
[underlined] R. A. Chisholm [/underlined]
W/Cdr. Donaldson,
R.A.F. FOULSHAM.