William Gould joined the Air Defence Cadet Corps at his Grammar School in Stoke on Trent. After selection to join the RAF as a wireless operator/air gunner he went to RAF Eastchurch to remuster as a flight engineer, and from there did his training…
Announces he has completed first solo flight and has received letters from home. Tells of several days lead up to first solo and describes flight itself. Mentions he went to town with his mechanics to celebrate and goes on to describe flying activity…
Writes from No 9 Recruit Wing at Stratford-on-Avon about arrival in rain and billeted at old school. Issue of uniform and request they send maths books. Short description of town and mentions he is going to Shakespeare play. Concludes with talk of…
Writes from Stratford on Avon requesting folding coat hangars. Mentions they are on 48 hours excuse duty due to inoculations and aircraft, including Wellington bombers on a nearby airfield.
Writes from Washington Irving Hotel, Stratford on Avon thanking them for parcel and letter and discussing clothing requirements. Discusses food in canteen and difficulties of washing enough socks. Mentions further inoculations and problems with…
Writes from Grand Hotel Scarborough 10 I.T.W. about his maths and anti gas exams, and starting navigation lessons. He also writes about playing games on the beach at Scarborough against the other flights, going to a concert, meeting his old school…
On the front a photograph of the Grand Hotel above the beach with Scarborough in the background. On the reverse he thanks parents for letter and chocolate and other items. Request they send pyjamas. Speaks of weather and upcoming examinations.…
Writes about laundry he is sending home, the fine weather, duties as wing spotter/fire piquet [sic], Continues about food, walking, local amenities, an overnight storm and starting navigation training.
Title 'The Sands, South Bay, Scarborough' In the foreground a beach and sea with boats and people bathing. Behind the beach the ground rises. On the left a large multistory hotel and to the right other buildings. On the reverse, addressed to his…
Writes of Morse exam then navigation, big meal, a wedding attended and going to the beach. Talks of money and how he spends his days. Goes on to write about training, class photographs, his laundry and requests from other people for letters.
Receipt for telegram to Saskatchewan for ten shillings and five pence on 20 Oct 1941. Telegram from Hedley Madgett in Swift Current Saskatchewan to parents reads '17 Oct 1941, Done solo received cable surprised no news plenty work and flying Thomas…
Writes from Swift Current that he has been very busy but had hitch hiked to Regina on day off and visit to McNelley's. Describes visit to the town with daughter and then took train back. Describes railway station and Canadian trains. Mentions final…
Cannot understand why they have received so few letters from him and lists those he has sent. Continues that he has finished final examinations and describes navigation exam. States that they other exams and in particular theory of flight for which…
Written from Swift Current. Writes that snow has prevented flying and they have little to do as examinations are over but some people have failed them. Mentions that the C.G.I relented on the resit of the engines examination. Discusses future course…
Written from Swift Current and states he has passed examinations and gives scores. Writes that he is pleased to be going Medicine Hat on twins along with most of his room mates. States when he is moving and but before that they are redeploying…
Writes from Medicine Hat thanking them for letters and asking them to continue writing; he is unable to reciprocate due to work load. Started flying Harvard and does not think it is worth waiting for next course on Oxford. Writes about flying,…
From Medicine Hat to parents' address. Reads 'Gone solo Harvard Xmas Calgary Banff hired car wonderful scenery thanks cable many letters = Hedley Madgett'.
Writes from Medicine Hat that he is having his first Sunday morning off. Writes of flying schedule, early starts, poor weather and lack of winter flying kit but this has now been issued. Tells of Christmas excursion by train to Calgary and activities…
Telegram from Medicine Hat address for parents. Reads 'Two parcels received many thanks having final examinations too busy to write till now = Hedley Madgett 127'.
Writes from Medicine Hat complaining of lack of mail. Talks about lack of rationing in Canada apart from sugar. Writes of inspector general's visit and that his course will get their wings on Friday 13th. Mentions old friend and talks of ground…