August 9, 1942 (Extracts)

I am still trying to get into the air force and after much red tape, have managed to secure a form for transfer. I know I can pass the medical, but whether or not I can make the grade after that is quite another matter……

We see lots of Yanks over here and, in many cases, they have taken over our old stamping grounds. From all reports, they are not very well liked and many “Pub” fights have occurred between Canadians and Yanks.

I think I told you before that I had written to Sir Ernest Swinton concerning a transfer to the R.A.F. Well, in his last letter, almost a year ago, he invited me to pay him a visit whenever I had the opportunity as he was anxious to meet me. So, the other day I wrote him asking if it would be convenient if I stopped in in the course of my travels during my coming leave. I received a very nice letter in return in which he said, “Come by all means and make the 15th if possible as I should like very much to take you to dinner at the college.” I presume he means Oxford, so I should have an interesting time. I really am looking forward to our meeting as he seems to be a fine old chap. In his last letter he said that, in view that we were related, he would appreciate it if I would call him Cousin Ernest rather than the more formal title.

The next nine days I should be having a large time doing London, Oxford, Cobham and Banstead.