Dearest Marge,
You really are a grand old gal! Thank you for the lovely fruitcake. I shared it with the lads and they all agreed it was the finest they'd ever had.
I was glad to read that Lucy placed first in the egg and spoon races at the Pleasant Point Gymkana. Do send her my congratulations. Let's hope she is able to defend her title in the Temuka event.
I just thought I'd fill you in on our environs. The town nearest our airfield is a pretty small place. We often pop in of an afternoon for a quiet beer (and come out again in the an early early morning usually!)
Unfortunately the traffic can be lethal at times.
We enjoy very close relations with some of our French neighbours.
They are lovely people and our pilots often drop in on their house after a flight.
We pilots are being billeted out in a nearby place. How we envy the men, getting the chance to sleep under canvas and living a 'real' army life. Still, one must make do with whatever one has and I'm proud of the way the boys have refrained from complaining thus far.
Due to our squadron's superior flying abilities
and the incontestable dominance our machines have in the air,
our groundcrew can generally be found lazing about with virtually no work to do.
The same is true of the Frenchies.
Now I don't wish to alarm you,duckie, but I feel I must point out that there is a small element of danger in what I do.
Should the unthinkable happen, just know that I won't suffer at all, as death comes quickly,
cleanly
and painlessly
in the skies.
Needless to say, my experience and natural flying ability ('gift' is probably a more appropriate word) have kept me safely out of trouble. I've hardly even suffered a scratch the whole time.
In my view there are two key things a pilot can do to ensure his survival.
One - always keep the Hun in sight! It's the Hun you don't see that gets you.
And two, be a crack marksman. Without wishing to boast, I have honed my shooting skills to the umpteenth degree so I never waste a round.
You'll be pleased to know that despite my busy schedule I'm still finding time to get in a bit of exercise
so that I am fit for the rugby season.
Right, I'd best dash now. Will write again forthwith.
Love to Lucy,
Toodle pip.
Pat.