ROYAL AIR FORCE,
HEMSWELL,
LINCOLN.
TEL.
HEMSWELL 256 & 257
Tuesday 5th November, 1940
I think the postal system from London must be faulty again, as I have not received any letters for five days, and that seems a long time to me, particularly on Dorothy's part.
I am just beginning to settle down, and I think it will be a very comfortable place - the fellows are very decent, and nobody worries much about rank - we call our Squadron Leader Ted. He is a Canadian, and has one of those colossal ginger moustaches that can be viewed equally well from behind. Of course the weather has been foul and has somewhat restricted our activities, but today the sun is shining and the sky is clear blue. I have completed over a quarter of my time on operations, and after 200 hours we get three months rest - dare say I shall need it by that time. If you ever look at the cheap newspapers you will have seen several publicity pictures of our aircraft taking off at dusk with such captions as “Next stop Berlin”. They always come here for them - the ace bomber squadron!
Do you happen to know what “Per purum tonantes” means?
It's the squadron motto, and I don't want to show my ignorance by asking the blokes here.
We manage to get to Lincoln fairly frequently by using different cars each night - they get a cold ride when they come with me!
All the same, they get there quicker than in any other car on the station!
I am glad to hear that you have acquired the comfortable shelter to sleep in - you can be sure of a night's rest, if the noise isn't too great.
We have had some bother down here - they seem to be concentrating on bomber stations, which I suppose is reasonable.
Well, cheerio, and I shall be glad to hear the news from home.
From your loving son, Geoffrey.