Letter from Ian Hay to his grandmother

Letter from Ian Hay to his grandmother

Written from RAF Yatesbury. Describes getting flu and his journey from North Coates to Yatesbury. Describes camp and facilities. Mentions that he has 6 days Christmas leave.

1939-12-12

Photocopy of two page handwritten letter and envelope

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SFieldPL907804v10036

[Royal Air Force crest]

906233, [inserted] AC2 [/inserted] Hay, I.
Hut Y.66.
‘B’ Sqdn:
2 Wing,
E & W School,
R.A.F. Station,
Yatesbury,
Nr Colne,
Wilts.

12/12/39.

Dear Granny,

I can’t remember whether I’ve written to you since I’ve been here, but anyhow here is a letter. I heard last week that we were to be posted here but my rejoicings were not very great as I had contracted ‘flu at North Cotes, which appeared to be getting everyone. Anyhow on the day I felt worst (Friday) we paraded at 0800 hrs: in the chill light of dawn, with greatcoats on and hung about, with packs, waterbottles, haversacks, respirators & kit-bags, & moved off by lorry to North Thoresby the nearest station 6 1/2 miles away. From there we caught a train to King’s X. And then from Paddington to Swindon, passing through Maidenhead. At Swindon we changed for

[page break]

Chippenham, & there again for Colne, where we came here by lorry.

This place is situated on the Marlborough Downs, on the main London-Bath road 5 1/2 miles from Colne & 2 from Beckhampton. It is a small town of wooden huts, holding about 8,000. There is a Cinema here, a church [inserted] each [/inserted] for R.Cs, C of E’s & O.D.s. also a canvas hangar converted into a theatre; & acres & acres of playing fields. I should think it measures about 4 square miles in all, & over the brow of a small hill is an aerodrome as well.

I have got Xmas leave, from 22nd to the 28th so shall have 6 days. I expect to arrive at Cookham about tea-time, on the 22nd.

Also I can get week-ends here every month, long & short, alternately.

No more news at the moment,

Best love

[underlined] Ian. [/underlined]

[postmark] [postage stamp]

Miss F. Hay,
Conuisk,
Cookham,
Nr Maidenhead,
Berks.