Officers’ Mess,           
    R.A.F. STATION,              
UPPER HEYFORD,     
  OXFORD.        
TELEPHONE:- BICESTER 197.         

1st July 1940      

          Having flown my first Hampden this morning, I am feeling rather pleased with myself, particularly as I am flying it again at 6.30 this evening.   I flew for an hour looking over the shoulder of my staff pilot, and learning the cockpit drill, and then went solo for an hour.    There is a lot more to think about than in an Anson, but when you have learnt the order in which to “pull things”, it is quite easy.   You have to get used to coming in to land at 120 mph, instead of 70 as on an Anson.   It is grand to see the air speed indicator drifting around the 200 mark when cruising, and to see +5½ lbs boost pressure on the take-off.   Wizard things altogether, except that the aerodrome is only just big enough to take them.

          We had a day off yesterday, and Dorothy and I took a picnic lunch into the country.   We walked about 15 miles all told, and got back in time for dinner at the King’s Arms Hotel where she is staying.   It was a real scorcher of a day, and we were very weary when we got back to Bicester.   I have bought myself a second hand bicycle - a Raleigh, complete with 3 speed gear, and in very good condition - all for £2 - I think it is a good investment these days.   The cycle shops are charging high prices for bikes now, but I managed to get this one privately from the bloke whose room I used to share.

          I am afraid that our night flying programmes are still being held up with monotonous regularity, but we are managing to get it in bit by bit.   So far the Nazis have not got within four miles of us, so we’re not worrying about them here.

          Well, it’s time to go now, or as Dick would say, “I must fly”. 

          Cheerio, love to mother and the boys, 

                           from Geoffrey.