Still waiting to be posted

Letter dated 30 January 1943

Dear Mother

       Here’s hoping that you received my parcel of clothes safely or maybe you won’t have them for some time yet because they are sent by goods train – I think.

                  Please tell Mrs. Walsh and all the others that I will write when I have been posted – so that I can give them a permanent address. By the way, do not be surprised if I am posted to this camp, you see, they have started training ground crews here. This includes me, for I have to train for a FLIGHT MECHANIC (ground crew) before I become a FLIGHT ENGINEER.

I may be allowed out of camp for an afternoon on Sunday 7 February – gee it must be and  will be grand to feel free again, even for a couple of hours.

    There is a lot of “square-bashing” done here, but as I have an elementary knowledge of this type of sport,   am a long way towards the ultimate aim.

      I have mated up with a lad from London, he is going in for an F.E. same as me and I hope to keep with him during training.

       There is a service tomorrow at 10.15 a.m. in the Station “church” which I hope to attend – if I am up. Remember me to Jack (Thompson) when he comes on holiday and tell him that before I have finished this job I shall have three chevrons, no, but tell him I fulfilled his wish – he will understand but don’t ask why?

Lights out now, good bye, lots of love

                                             Ray

 P.S. Sunday night –missed church – cookhouse fatigues again.