Letter to L V Rosser from Johnny Cantrell

Letter to L V Rosser from Johnny Cantrell

Congratulates him on award of DFC and ask how things are in 'civvy street'. States he was due out next April but is considering a deferment. Goes on to write about news from the squadron and his activities. Invites him to a party in the mess and includes an invitation as well as giving travel details. Handwritten note that Johnny Cantrell crashed and killed 1945 at 115 Squadron Graveley (actually crash was 21 Feb 1946).

1945-11-30

Three page handwritten letter, envelope and printed invitation

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ECantrellJRosserLV451130

[inserted] 30 Nov 45 [/inserted]

Vic. Rosser Esq.,
30, Oatlands Rd.,
Oxford.

[inserted] Johny Cantrell [/inserted]

[page break]

OFFICER'S MESS,
R.A.F.
GRAVELEY,
HUNTS.

30th Nov. 1945.

Dear Vic,

Afraid I make a rotten correspondent. Very sincere congratulations on the D.F.C. you certainly deserve it and I'm ever so pleased you've got it.

Well, how is Civvy St. treating you – I am due out about next April but am considering 12 months deferment. I bet that shakes you. I hope you are settling down well and have found a job to suit you – personally I think I shall revolt at the sight of anything resembling work when I get out.

[page break]

If the weather is good tomorrow and the a/c serviceable and God is willing I shall be nipping off to Bari for the first time for seven weeks. I've almost forgotten what the place looks like.

News from the Sqd. is not very exciting – Algeo demobbed (thank goodness) various odd bods posted here and there including Lummis and Sharcolt and Hooper to Honiton (for overseas) Paddy Simpson from B flight and so on. You'll be pleased to know that Ken Holt also got his D.F.C.

We are having a mess party on 14-12-45. and although the food

[page break]

is apparently to be not very outstanding but there should be plenty of drink and I would like to wet your ribbons. [deleted letter] I think I could even fix you up with a bed for the night just in case. Anyway the nearest station is Offard and Buckden which can be attacked from the North via Peterboro [sic] or Huntingdon and from the South via Hitchin or intermediate stations. Maybe you will give me a ring nearer the date at Croxton 232
Mess Extension 60
'B' flt. Extension 39.

Will save all further natter until the party so until then farewell and all the best.

Yours, Johnny.

[page break]

From Johnny Cantrell
Crashed & killed 1945 at 115 Sqdn Graveley

[page break]

[crest]

[italics] The Commanding Officer and the Officers of Royal Air Force Station, Graveley,
request the pleasure of

Mr. Rosser's

Company at AN INFORMAL PARTY
on Friday the 22/2/46 at 8 o'clock.
R.S.V.P. to P.M.C.

[page break]

OFFICERS' MESS
ROYAL AIR FORCE, GRAVELEY.

ADMIT BEARER TO [deleted] MESS DANCE [/deleted] [inserted] PRIVATE PARTY [/inserted]
On 22/2/46 at 8 o'clock