R122119 Sgt Witt E
Sqdn 405
R.C.A.F.
Overseas
7/3/43

Dear Mother and Dad,

Got your parcel to-day. Everything in good order – flashlight and all. Thank you ever so much. I last wrote two weeks ago and intended writing last week but one or two things intervened.

I am writing this beside an open fire in a nice room in a large mansion house. The grounds around it are lovely. We all occupy the room – our crew – and at present we are having “tea” at home, due to yours and other parcels received to-day. I wont be able to visit Aunt Carrie, but Aunt Ellen will be easier. I had a reply from her the other day. Our changed location took place since last writing you. We are quite happy and contented here. I have been about on my bike a bit and the weather has been grand.

Shortly after my visit to Aunt Carrie I went into town in order to see if Max Mair was there but I could not get in early enough to get to the office. However now I shan’t be able to do that again. The last time I was in I heard the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and enjoyed it.

Since coming here I have been back to my old stomping ground, where I used to go before xmas. It is a grand old town and I have yet to see the minster really properly. The glass is taken out, unfortunately, but the building has not been damaged. There is a lot to see apart from it though – a good museum etc.

I noticed that our squadron has been “adopted” by a Vancouver womens organization. You may have heard about it. Mother might like to go sometime.

A lad in the squadron – Preston Wier – was a pupil of mine for two years. He is a mechanic. His people are in Courtney now – his father being a game warden. Perhaps uncle George knows him.

Our work here consists of the main job, for which we were originally trained. However we’ve had good experience the past month or two because we got quite a bit of flying in.

I forgot to mention that Phyllis’ little Julien was christened in the old christening nave. I believe Dad was christened in it, or at least a member of the family were. Namesake is still alive, though rational only occasionally. Seventy-five years with the family, last November.

I went to church this morning. A 15th century church. I’ll go again, if I’m not flying, sometime.

I hope the weather is better at home. It has been unusually mild here and the country looks lovely, though it will be even better when the leaves come out. The crocuses are out though, and the trees are budding.

Well my dears I must close now. Thanks again for the parcel. We are a mile or two from camp here and parcels are welcome. The things you sent were quite appropriate too. Regards to everyone,

Love,
E.