Letter from Kenneth Gill to his parents

Letter from Kenneth Gill to his parents

Writes about a bombing operation on new year. Mentions speaking to a railway signalman whose daughter possibly taught his younger brother. Writes of other family acquaintances. Continues with other family news and gossip. Catches up with other news of friends.

1945-01-04

Four page handwritten letter

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SGillK1438901v30064

R.A.F. STATION
WOODHALL SPA
LINCOLNSHIRE
JAN. 4TH/45.
TELEPHONE: WOODHALL SPA 2195

Dear mum & dad,

Here's a few lines in answer to your letter of Xmas Day, I'm sorry I've not replied before now I did intend to several times.

Well we certainly let the new year in, in a novel way; we were over our target bang on midnight and just as I called "Happy New Year blokes", up came the flak thick and heavy, we're hoping next years will be let in in the normal way again.

However the war must go on I reckon so we'll overlook these diversions from the normal run of life.

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2/.

It's hard to answer your letter really because I gave you most of my "gen" in my last letter though here's a coincidence for you.

I was talking to the signalman at Bardney whilst waiting in his cabin for the train and he said his daughter was a teacher at Leeds, she actually teaches in the Junior School at Osmondthorpe and I think she's taught our David, at least he knew about the Air Force type who visited the school to sponsor the "War Weapons Week"; it certainly is a small world isn't it.

[page break]

3/

Here's another one for you mum; the corporal in our mess comes from Scunthorpe and is a friend of Irene Farleys, you know her mother was your old friend Annie Galloway wasn't she? I have a feeling I told you all this before but I may be wrong.

David didn't do so bad at Xmas did he, still next year things will be better; Ronnie was lucky in getting his parcel here on time I'll bet mum's face was a picture bless her.

I've had a card from Eva but you'll know about that but not one from Margie yet, we havn't any spare photos of the wedding

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4./

so Margie will have to make do with the one of Vera, Derek & me that we sent for Xmas. I'll send her the one I carry around with me when I come home for good but not before then.

Well I guess that's all for now, it's time I was in bed.

Goodnight & God Bless
Your Loving Son
Ken [kisses] David [kisses]