Letter from Jack Darby to Jean

Letter from Jack Darby to Jean

He and his crew have been practice bombing at night. He discusses wedding details. Only 16 days to wait.

1945-07-10

Two double sided handwritten sheets and envelope

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EDarbyCAHWellandJ450710

[postage stamp] [postmark]

Miss J. Welland,
7. Queens Drive
Surbiton
Surrey

[inserted] 10.7.45. [/inserted]

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[italics] Tel. No.
Wickhambrook 259. [/italics]

[italics] Officers' Mess,
R.A.F. Station,
Stradishall,
Nr. Newmarket,
Suffolk.

Monday.

My dearest Jean,

Thank you so much for your last letter received on Saturday, since then there's not much news to report, Jack sent to London on Saturday for the court of inquiry and took evidence for a court martial against a chap stationed here, apparently he’s been forging Post Office Savings Books to a fair sum.

When Jack came back Saturday evening he had some more people to see today so we are off flying again, we did some

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night bombing last night, quite a good effort, the best in the squadron for three [deleted] of [/deleted] [inserted] or [/inserted] four months, but thats the first night flying for some time.

All the boys are going on leave on Friday, Jack hopes to go as well but he's afraid of the court martial preventing it. There's been no more difficulties about my leave, the flight commander knows about it, so there should'nt be any more trouble, by the way how many people are coming so far? I want an idea so that we can arrange something about transport, also the wedding is at 2 o/c not 1.45 is’nt it? Trust me to forget what time I'm getting married!

Last Saturday I took off all the car wheels, cleaned and painted them, it

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took me all day until 7 o/c, have'nt worked so hard for a long time.

I'm glad you have a map of Bideford and district, it should come in very useful. I've never been around that part and the car should certainly come in useful.

Regarding the 48 next week, I rather fancy I shall be unlucky, however should know something definate [sic] in a day or so.

So the wedding presents are still arriving. regarding the electric clock we can have a lead put in at the same time as the cooker, thats if we don't have to get

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permission from Churchill or Joe Stalin, by the way talking of speeches, we ought to cut that out at the reception didn't we!

You just lose that ring and see what happens, – no ring – no wedding also how many times have you taken it out and tried it on? bet its nearly worn out now.

Well, darling, this is about all for the time being, only another 16 days! how are things progressing? getting nervous?

Please remember me to Mother and Dad.

All my love dear,

Jack.