Letter to L V Rosser from Maurice Moon

Letter to L V Rosser from Maurice Moon

Relates history of his recent postings and that he was happy at Morpeth as it was near his home and girlfriend even though he would have liked to joined Rosser. Asks how things are with him. Mentions he has leave coming and describes some of his activities. Continues with philosophical passage about feelings, life and the war. Concludes with comment about family.

1942-04-21

Six page handwritten letter and envelope

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EMoonMRosserLV420421

[inserted] Maurice Moon [/inerted] [postmark]

F/Sgt. L.V. Rosser. 745913,
Sgt's Mess, R.A.F.
Chipping Warden
Nr. Banbury

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F/Sgt. M. Moon 937318
Sgt's. Mess.
R.A.F. Station
Morpeth
Northumberland.

Tuesday, April 21

Dear Vic

here we are again with a few lines hoping, in the good old service jargon, that this finds you well as it leaves me at present.

I made application for posting to Chipping Warden when I finished the course at Manby and I was told to wait until the original postings came through from Air Ministry and then have mine altered.

Well, they came through eventually and I discovered that the powers that be had decided to send me to Marpeth, and as this place is only ten miles from Newcastle, home, and the girl friend, I decided to let things stay as they were.

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2/

I should have liked to have joined forces again with you old horse, and I was looking forward to siome of those old times once more. However the temptation of home comforts proved too strong, and here I am. I feel rather sorry about this in some ways; it is most difficult trying to decide upon either of two roads. It is something like being out with a "sprog" navigator and not knowing whether to steer his course or rely on your own intuition.

Not that I consider our friendship to be as ambiguous or dubious as a "sprog" navigator's advice, but that I am undecided which road shall bring the happiest landing.

How are things with you Vic? I suppose you will have settled down to the new surroundings by now, and more or less recovered from the awful browned off feeling which comes with each change of station.

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3/

Is Pamela with you again or is she still living in Oxford? I suppose you will have made every effort to find accomodation [sic] and have her near. From both Pamela's and your description of Chipping Warden, I gather that it is not exactly a mecca of night life, but I should think that with the fine summer weather coming on, there should [be] lots of things to give pleasure to two young people like yourselves.

I am on seven days leave just now and have to be back in camp on Friday to start in again to prepare this place for the instruction and enlightenment of the showers of U/T air gunners who shall soon descent upon us like a swarm of nerve tearing and body wearying locusts. I am not sure whether the words of wisdom I shall pour upon their defenceless heads will be given appreciation, but nevertheless I shall do my best to give forth the gen.

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4/

I should be extremely grateful if you can give me any practical tips which will aid me in the training of would be "dare devils of the sky."

You know, we (you & I) may be compared with Kipling's "men of little showing". We have had our moments of excitement and adventure, and have experienced those indescribable feelings of fear and exhilaration which go with them, but now we must sit behind the scenes and the view that great work which grows greater each day, with a spirit of separative [sic] enthusiasm. We are out in the cold.

When I was on the job I used to say, when I finish, I shall thank God for having brought me through, and I shall feel satisfied that I have done my share. And that is the way it has been for the past few months, but when I hear of these smashing efforts like Augsberg, [sic], I feel as though I shall never be really contented out of harness.

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5/

Have you thought much of the very big gap this rotten old war is making in our lives? I have often felt that so much time was being wasted; that I could have done so much and planted the life ahead of me quite securely during the past three years. It was not until this week however that I fully realised how very much life has gone ahead without me. When I first joined the service, my sister's son who is a good pal of mine, was at school in Cumberland and he used to write grand enthusiastic and refreshing letters in the inimitable schoolboy fashion.

Last Sunday he brought his fiancee to tea, and during our conversation, told me that he was playing a clarinet in a dance band so as to be able to save more money for when he would be married.

By jove man, it makes you think.

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6/

I'm afraid that this letter is a bit heavy, but I am in one of those philosophical moods just at this time when I decided to write to you, so you just have to take it.

I think that perhaps I had better close now before I bore you to tears, so for the present cheerio. My very best wishes to Pamela and yourself

God bless

Hoping to hear from you again quite soon

I remain
Your old pal,
Maurice