[Editor’s note: The letter below was sent to the Gray family in 1992 by it’s original recipient, Sheelagh Brunelle. Sheelagh had met Hampton at a dance in 1942 and for 50 years had kept the letter that he had written to her following their meeting. A note by Sheelagh written to the Gray family that accompanied her forwarding of this letter to them in 1992 is posted separately under the date of 1992-05-15.]

R.H. Gray S/Lt.
R.N.A.S.,
Worthydown, Hauts.,
March 16.

Dear Sheelagh,

I thought I had better get this off right away not only to avoid any broken hearts but also because I wanted to write to you.

I did have a grand time the other evening. You were very good to give me so much of your time and since I had so much competition it was nice to think that you liked dancing with me. I only wish I could see more of you but it is so very hard to get places these days without a car.

However you know more about this part of the country than I do so if you have any suggestions to make as to how I could see you do let me know and I shall move any obstacles in my path to get there.

You will write, won’t you. If I don’t hear from you within six days there will be a broken heart here, too. So don’t forget, will you.

There doesn’t seem much to say at the moment so I shall stop here. I do hope I get your name right on the envelope.

Regards,
Hammie.