Letter from Jack Darby to Jean

Letter from Jack Darby to Jean

He thanks her her letter and a parcel. He has not flown since Christmas eve because his pilot has been sick. He comments on family news from Jean.

1944-12-28

Two double sided handwritten sheets and envelope

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EDarbyCAHWellandJ441228

[postage stamp] [postmark]

[inserted] 30.12.44 [/inserted]

Miss J. Welland
7. Queens Drive
Surbiton
Surrey

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[underlined] Dec 28th. [/underlined]

F/O. C. Darby 154676.
Officers Mess
R.A.F. Station
Stradishall
Changed [symbol] Nr. Newmarket.
Suffolk.

Dearest Jean,

Thanks so much for your letter dated December 25th and also for parcel which arrived on Boxing day, you know you must be extremely observant to notice what kind of tobacco I smoked, its quite correct, (better be careful when I’m coming on leave to remove hairs (blonde) and trace of lipstick otherwise the rolling pin will come into play!). I have’nt tried

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the cigarettes yet but will let you know what I think of the plain packet type.

We are now settling down after Christmas, the boys have been hard at it through the holiday but we have’nt been on since Christmas Eve as Jack is sick, has severe catarrh on the right ear, has been grounded for a week for [deleted letter] radiant treatment so we’re just U/S at the moment, its very annoying as the squadron have had some wizard prangs.

Am so sorry to hear about Mother hope she is recovering from her

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attack of flu, don’t worry it was’nt a put up job I value your Mother and Dad too highly for you to experiment on, why I’d have no-one to take my part! Still am glad you are getting some practice, after we’re married I should be able to hold out now until you’re perfect, (what do they say ‘The first ten years are the worst?).

I’ve just received a letter from Mother & Dad, written from Broadstairs, they seemed to have quite a nice time, have been out every day, the change will do them good, Dad said he was just going for a pint with Uncle George

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at the club.

I’ve had one or two Christmas cards and several congratulations on our engagement, including an engagement card from Betty, she told me that she’s going to Birmingham to be bridesmaid at her friends wedding, I know her friend she used to be at Titchfield with us, she’s marrying the boyfriend she last saw about five years ago.

Well darling have been back from leave nearly a fortnight, only just over a month and I’ll be seeing you again, its something to look forward too [sic], better than saying its a fortnight since I saw you.

This is all the news for now, look after yourself darling,

All my love,

Jack