Transcription
F/LT. G. ELLAMS.
OFFICER'S MESS. RAF. STN. MANSTON KENT.
[52 Squadron Crest]
[deleted] 52 SQUADRON R.A.F.
SOUTH EAST ASIA AIR FORCES [/deleted]
[underlined] TEL [/underlined] RAMSGATE. 196. [underlined] EXT. 22 [/underlined]
THURSDAY. [double underlined] 9 P.M. [/double underlined]
Dear Rowena.
I couldn't wait till later in the week to write to you, I hope you don't mind.
It did enter my head to call round tonight, but I thought you would think I had an awful cheek, I sincerely hope you don't mind too much, about me approaching you today, but I couldn't help myself when I knew you lived in Ramsgate, when I saw you before, I did a bit of deep thinking but imagined you lived in London, far out of my way.
Gee! dear, you have no idea how happy I am, it's been my lucky day today. Last night I was on my way to Air Ministry for my final medical board before being accepted for the Peace time RAF. I was talked into going to a party, thrown
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[52 Squadron Crest]
52 SQUADRON R.A.F.
SOUTH EAST ASIA AIR FORCES
[underlined] 2. [/underlined]
by one of my pals, and told to go on the 5.A.M. train this morning, rather than be a poor sport, I agreed, Gosh! that was the worst mistake I could have made. This morning I was called at 4.30 AM. still a bit tipsy, and what a hangover, the worst I have ever experienced, rolled onto the train without any B'fast, I felt terrible, was convinced they would fail me at the Medical Board, and then be kicked out.
Well strange as it may seem I passed A1B, that's the highest standard in the world, I am greatly pleased at the result, would have been really overjoyed if I had not had such a Hangover all day. I am going to bed after completing this letter, as I am flying on test flight tomorrow, getting the aircraft ready
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for Monday morning, we are taking off for Germany at 0830 AM. Monday morning. I am duty officer at Manston all day Sunday, so won't be able to leave camp but if I could only see you Saturday, even for an hour or so Gee would make me feel wizard, anyway would you please give me a ring sometime on Saturday about 7.P.M. the telephone number is on the letter, ask the RAF exchange for ext. 22. or just ask for the officers mess. ring [deleted] in [/deleted] me in case. I shall be back from Germany on the following Friday that's a week tomorrow, hope you will be home that night, when you ring up tell me what size stockings you take, I might be able to get some in Germany with a bit of luck. By the way, I like your first name, I think it originated from Wales, did you say they also called you Gwen? I am called Alec at home, not George, they don't like that name very much, so take your pick
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[underlined] 4. [/underlined]
How long have you been on your present job? and do you care for the work? what are the hours like?
For myself I am very fond of the life in the RAF. it pays good money and life is pretty easy now the war is over, have a nice room to myself here, and have just bought a new portable radio, makes it quite homely, plenty of furniture etc. I like to get out at nights though, because one gets fed up with the same old faces round the Bar etc.
Am hoping to get a second hand car this week-end, it makes all the difference I sold my last one in June before going overseas, and feel lost without one. What do you do with your evenings as a rule? by the way I am not much good at Dancing still in the learner stage, all I need is a good partner, then I will be on the straight then, can you skate? Swim etc. I am dying to meet you we can compare notes etc.
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[52 Squadron Crest]
52 SQUADRON R.A.F
SOUTH EAST ASIA AIR FORCES
[underlined] 5. [/underlined]
For myself I am 25 1/2 years. and single with no ties, how about you, I should think you have a steady boy friend tucked away somewhere haven't you? Still maybe I shouldn't ask questions like that, please forgive me if I said the wrong thing.
Well my dear I will close now, don't forget to give me a ring Saturday night if you can make it, just in case you don't ring, when you answer this letter send it to Manston, will be waiting when I return from Germany.
Chin Chin.
Love.
George (Alec)