Transcript of letter from Ian Hay to his grandmother

Transcript of letter from Ian Hay to his grandmother

Transcript of original letter. Written while at Uxbridge after he was attested and issued uniform and expected to be posted on soon. Describes the camp, pay and speculates of future leave.

1939-11-03

Two page handwritten letter

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[inserted] Transcription of letter, obviously by Keith Macleod, a generous helper of Rhana's – and mine! The photocopy of the original follows [/inserted]

A/C2 HAY. I de S.E. 906233
C Flight,
ARRAS BLOCK,
Room – 2,
No. 14 SQUADRON,
RAF DEPOT,
UXBRIDGE,
MIDDX.

9/11/39.

Dear Granny,

Sorry I haven't written before, but we've been somewhat busy recently. As you see from the lengthy address at the top, I am at Uxbridge. I was attested and given my uniform yesterday, which is very nice indeed and funnily enough it fits! I don't advise you to write to this address yet, as this place has been converted from a training centre to a reception and distribution place, [inserted] so [/inserted] I probably will be shifted on Monday or Tuesday to anywhere in the Empire or France perhaps; but I will let you know my new address when I get there.

Everything is O.K. here and I like it very much, the food is good, the NAAFI is good, and on the whole I am quite enjoying myself. There is a Cinema in the Camp and only 6d for a very good seat.

[page break]

We got payed [sic] 10/- this afternoon, but unfortunately we only get payed [sic] fortnightly; and 2s a week is stopped from my pay for laundry and 1 or 2 other little items.

I really don't know what leave I shall get until I go elsewhere, but I think it is 1 week-end in 4, and 5 days at Xmas and 5 days at Easter + 28 days annual leave.

I expect to be vaccinated soon and also inoculated against typhoid; I believe it lays some people out completely! There isn't really any more news but I will let you know my future address when I get there.

Very best love

Ian.

P.S. Please excuse pencil but I haven't got a pen yet. A parcel of my clothes is coming back to you soon.