July 13, 1943

Dear Dad:

I was really waiting for the Sqd. P.O. to get some air letters in so that we could correspond more quickly. But I received letter no. 4 just now and see that you would like me to write a little more often. I believe I told you that I had been moved to another squadron. Our crew has just received a brand-new Halifax "O" for orange. It sure is a good kite.

I don't like telling you all my experiences because you might be a little worried and there's nothing to worry about. Grandma has probably told you I am in Yorkshire - lots of wind, something like home. I expect to be going on another seven days leave on Monday. Of course I will go to Grandmas. I sure enjoy going there. There is very little to do but I get lots of time to rest.

I received your first parcel on the tenth. To me it was much better than a Christmas gift. I am going to take some things to Grandmas. I will have to admit you really can prepare parcels. Everything in it was just swell.

I would like you to tell me about Howard. I don't know whether he is a pilot or what. I would like you to give him some advice. If he is in air crew, have him remain home as an instructor. I believe I know what I am talking about. It is for his own good. He will get into action soon enough without asking for it, and this sort of action is no fun let me tell you.

I received a letter from Mother also today. She tells me the little ones are down with the measles. Well it's nothing serious I don't believe.

About Ruth and school. I have seen a great deal so far in life although I am only 20 years old. I have been out with a number of different types of girls and have learned a lot. When down in Wellsbourne I had a very charming girl, one of the best. As a matter of fact I still correspond with her. This girl works in a factory, under a mould, eight hours a day, her father a poor English farmer. She didn't have the choice of a good education.

On my leave with Grandma I met another young lady. A very nice girl,18 years old. Her father is a Sgt. In the R.A.F. She has a brother in the army. This young lady is now labouring in the hothouses in Norwich, of course against her will. She hadn't a chance for an education.

I met a girl by the seaside once. She was there on a holiday because she had a nervous breakdown. She was an accountant in a store in London. Her education was very little. So I came to the conclusion that her work would not fit her education and she quite agreed.

What I am trying to say is that a girl who has the chance for a good education should make use of it. Ruth will not be satisfied in time to come, by just working a café. Ruth is just young yet and probably does not understand life very well, probably because she has been in a small town most of her life. If Ruth will still insist on leaving school, the only way to deal with her is by force. Supposing I did not return home. I believe Ruth would be sorry she didn't take my advice.

Well dad I believe that I have said enough in regards to Ruth.

I read something in the paper about all aircrew now graduating, getting commissioned. Well that may be OK, but it's the boys over here that should receive them, the fellows that are doing the job. Not the ones that are still green.

I also read that most of the Canadian boys are receiving there commissions over here. Well that statement is false. There is not one sgt. or flt. sgt. on this squadron that has received a commission since Parliament has acted on this matter. I don't want you to say anything about this in Parliament because I may get in trouble.

Well I must close now because I have run out of something to say. Tell Mary I still think more of her more than ever and will write soon.

Give my love to all
Harry

P.S.
B & B
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