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Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Writes to let her know new address in Stratford-upon-Avon. Writes they are first tenants in a chaotic hotel new establishment. Complains that station is only open as receiving wing for aircrew and they will not be there long. Describes daily training…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
He writes about their arrangements for meeting at Christmas. Continues with recollection of her recent visit and about his training activities. Writes about a mansion which has converted its stables into a Services Canteen. Catches up with family…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
He writes about trying to find accommodation for Ursula when she comes to Stratford to stay for Christmas. Mentions church parade and weather. Write of meeting up unexpectedly with two old friends. Asks her not to forget to bring his post office…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Writes of how much he enjoyed spending a few days with her during Christmas and that he was successful in getting back into camp.
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Writes that he hoped she got home safely and how much he enjoyed her visit. Describes his journey via Shrewsbury and Wales to Aberystwyth where unusually they were expected.
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Mentions he has written to several relatives. Writes he has finished wedding cake but broke a tooth. Describes walking in hills and describes local area.
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursuala
He writes about commencing training at Aberystwyth and that it is intense but he is enjoying it much more than previous training. Mentions London has had some nasty nights which worries him.
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Writes that big attack on London is on his mind along with shared recollections of a big fire when the bombing first started. Comments that he is likely to remain at his current location until March/April and asks if she would consider moving to join…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Writes he is worried about her due to reports of air raids on London. Describes his current activities including cross country run, PT, drill and lectures. Mentions Royal Artillery battery in town. Comments on parcel from mother that arrived in a…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Pleased with arrival of her letter at last. Discuses mail and delivery delays. Provides a list of things he would like her to do. Replies to matters she raised in her letter. Continues with personal matters. Mentions his training day has been…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Thanks her for letter, parcel and gas mask. Latter useful as stores have run out of respirators. Her Christmas present really useful helping to keep kit organised in strict tidiness regime. List thing she is sending back to her. Pleased to receive…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Mentions that it is first anniversary and he will try and phone. Describes a great day with frosty but clear weather and his walk in local area. Describes Aberystwyth and mentions another flight member has wife with him and discusses their…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Long letter starts by thanking her for parcel which arrived on their anniversary. Reported that he had a disappointing interview with his CO which included discussion on whether it was likely that he could change from observer to pilot. Describes…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Starts with domestic matters, his activities and uniform issues. Notes examinations starting next week. Still waiting treatment for broken tooth. Has no spare time to read. Mentions he is not sleeping well, that individual interviews with squadron CO…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Wonders about her reaction to his argument for her to come to stay in Aberystwyth. Notes essay on Initial Training Wing and remustering to pilot which he does not want to do. Writes he is still sleeping badly and that the RAF has run out of marmalade…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Short letter to include in parcel to her. Thanks for her for parcel and socks. Has letter from his father, describes what he says including that arrangements for her and baby best left to them. Repeats arguments for her coming to Aberystwyth. Notes…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Lots of discussion over problems of whether she should come to Aberystwyth or not, but if she decides to should decide quickly. He would not book nursing home yet. Continues with description of his activities including new eye test for pilot.…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Writes it is end of first day of new exhausting schedule. Wishes she was already there and safe from bombing. Suggest she comes 31 January or 1 February if not sooner. Mentions shopping in Woolworth and arrangements to pay inland revenue. Hopes she…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Writes he is very tired having had to put out fires all night and get up early. Describes daily routine. Complains he has had no letter from her for 5 days. States maths exam went well and now no more exams until end of course. Continues on 16/1/41…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Writes he is in a happy frame of mind having been reassured about her. Continues with daily activities and reports on hunt for accommodation for her and mentions problem with pets. Discusses cost of accommodation. Mentions cold weather cancelled…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Starts with long discussion on getting rid of piano. Discusses remustering and his preference unlike other not to go to pilot but remain as observer. Writes he has booked her bed at nursing home and accommodation. Writes of when he will be able to…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Updates her on progress of travel voucher which he now encloses despite it having wrong date. Explains what to do if railway will not let her travel on later date. Reports unsuccessful attempt to visit landlady. Regarding news from her latest letter,…
Letter from John Valentine to his wife Ursula
Thanks her for card and arrival date. Hopes she can come a day earlier as he has next afternoon off. Mentions her parcel had not turned up and he had seen Chaplin film. Writes there has been outbreak of flu on his flight and hopes he will not catch…
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…
Interview with Geoff Rushton
Geoff Rushton worked as a bank clerk before he volunteered for the Air Force. He trained as a navigator in Canada and after crewing up flew 20 operations with 15 Squadron from RAF Mildenhall. He and his crew were then posted to 186 Squadron at RAF…