Letter from Stanley Shaw to Vic

Letter from Stanley Shaw to Vic

Commiserates over lost leave, having to leave previous posting and going to sea. Philosophises over dangers of war but it was better to fight than to be held in ridicule by anyone. Writes of home and family on last leave. Mentions doing the odd trip and that it was not pleasant over the Ruhr. Catches up with family news.

1943-06-30

Four page handwritten letter

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EShawSShawV430630

Sgts. Mess.
R.A.F. Station
Dunholme Lodge
Lincoln

30-6-43.

Dear Vic,

Thanks for the letter recieved [sic] the day before yesterday I was very pleased to hear from you.

Yes it is a beggar when you have set your mind on leave to find it cancelled however much you were expecting otherwise still it is a thing bound to happen in these times.

It must have been a wrench to leave your last place after being there so long.

Now aparently [sic] you are to begin what may be a long term at sea well I wish you the best of luck, it is bound to be a hard

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life, but with the luck of the Shaw’s & the false courage that always comes to a man in times of stress, you & I will be thinking back in better times under better conditions, of those ghastly & hair raising moments we are bound to get both you in your branch of the service & myself in mine.

I too am sorry for all who have to stay at home & worry about us who are in the forces but I would much sooner go out & fight, than have to see them being held in ridicule by any persons or should I say enemy who may invade & conquer England, a lot of worry now will be nothing to what may

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have been if that did or even now does happen pray God it never does.

Yes the gardens were lovely when I was there last week we lay on your lawn in the sun most of the afternoon, but had to watch Pam & Elaine with the flowers, Pam is just has [sic] bad as Elaine ever was.

We keep doing an odd trip now & again to give the Gerrys our regards & although it is not what you might call pleasant over the Rhur, I would rather be at the delivering end than the reeciving [sic] it must be plain hell let loose.

I am pleased to see everybody looking so well at Sutton I

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thought in particular that Ma looked very well, & of course I bucked her up no end by sleeping at home one night, she fussed no end.

Well Vic I think this is about all for now, so will you send Doris my regards when you write & for goodness sake look after yourself & the very best of luck, please write whenever you can cherio [sic] see you soon.

[underlined] Stan [/underlined]

Elsie & Elaine send their best wishes & from Elaine & Pam to their Uncle Vic xxxxxxxxxx