Letter from Douglas Hudson to his parents

Letter from Douglas Hudson to his parents

Writes and describes flying all day in Anson which was easier to navigate that the Fokker. Mentions 18 degrees of frost lying on the floor getting drift on the bomb sight. Continues to describe his route and other airborne activity.

1940-01-27

Two page handwritten letter

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EHudsonJDHudsonP-HE400117

“BEAMAR”
15. Montgomerie Road.
Prestwick.
Scotland.
17/1/40.

Dear Mother & Dad,

I will not write a long letter because it is nearly post – time & I must catch it if this letter is to arrive tomorrow.

I have been flying all day & have put in about 5 hours. At long last I have been up in an Anson, which is a much easier craft to navigate than the Fokker. The visibility was exceptionally good & the temperature was exceptionally low. This morning the Auxu [sic] [inserted] thermometer [/inserted] recorded 18˚ of Frost Fahrenheit & believe me lying on ones tummy with the floor board up getting drift on the Bomb Sight was a cold job. Especially when the aircraft was doing 140 mph at the time.

This morning our flight took us over Arran & the Giants Causeway in Ireland. This afternoon

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we flew over an aerodrome just out of Belfast & the return journey took us back over Arran. Our total journey was about 600 miles, including both flights & they were quite satisfactory. There were two Observers beside the Pilot & Wireless Operator. This morning my Co-Observer acted as first navigator, & this afternoon it was my privilege. We got our pilot there and back very well, & he flew entirely to our instructions.

I am enclosing a photo. quite a genuine & accurate one, of an Anson which is exactly like our plane.

I must away now. I will write a short note for Mother’s birthday tomorrow, but owing to the irregularity of the postal deliveries don’t be too disappointed if my letter does not arrive until an afternoon post. I think it takes a post & a half from here.

Hoping both are well & warm.

Love Douglas.

P.S. I have a pair of flying boots now.