Letter from John Brittain to his mother

Letter from John Brittain to his mother

Writes of flying in bad weather and very low temperatures. Says he has not had time to visit relative in Peterborough. Writes of absolute confidence in skipper and crew. Mentions no dates for squadron and no sign of leave until they get to new location.

Two page handwritten letter

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EBrittainJTBrittain[Mo]450118

Sgt. Brittain J.T.
Sgts Mess.
R.A.F. North Luffenham
Near Oakham.
Rutland.

Wednesday.

[inserted] [underlined] P.S. [/underlined] Would you mind sending the enclosed 3 collars to the laundry. [/inserted]

Dearest Mum.

Many thanks for your screed and all your news. The weather here is absolutely deadly, and is keeping us on the ground. We did fly 3 nights ago in a temperature of -45° Centigrade and my breath froze in the air into ice crystals. At briefing we were told to keep out of cumulo nimbus clouds at all costs. Remember those thunder clouds we were arguing about!!??

Please explain to Auntie [one indecipherable word] that we haven't had any time or opportunity to get to Peterborough as we have been on the flying detail since Dec 27th.

[page break]

Your queries about the crew were unneccesary as I have never had more confidence in any set of chaps, and as for the skipper, well the same goes for him too. Whether individually or together you couldn't find a better set of blokes. We all have complete and utter confidence in each other, so you needn't worry your head on that score

I don't know yet when we are going to a squadron as we have one more trip to do here yet, however I will let you know as soon as possible. We won't be getting any leave from here [drawing of sad face with tears] but we will when we get to a squadron [drawing of happy face] !!

No more news yet so will close

Tons of love

John.

[inserted] [underlined] P.S. [/underlined] Did you receive the laundry. [/inserted]