Letters from a Bomber Pilot

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For anyone wishing to read some of the letters Donald Plaunt wrote home, I’ll post the odd one here in sync with the calendar. Donald has undergone several stages of pilot training, both in Canada and the U.K. At his last posting, he underwent training in Operation Training with a crew in Kinloss, Scotland and was assigned to fly a Lancaster bomber that required a crew of seven aircrew. After Kinloss, he was given leave and expected to report to 97 Squadron of the RAF in Woodhall Spa in Lincolnshire, U.K.

From “Christmas Overseas”

Dec. 18 ’42telegram – sans originMr. W Plaunt   LEAVE ON MONDAY FOR XMAS MAY YOU ALL HAVE A VERY HAPPY ONE ALSO THE PARTY ON NEW YEARS IS AS GOOD AS EVER.      LOVE DONALD PLAUNT

Dec. 22 ’42telegram – overseas  – Mrs. W PLAUNT  SPENDING XMAS WITH BILL HOPE YOU HAVE GOOD HOLIDAY LOVE  DONALD PLAUNT

Dec. 25 ’42 – Catterick, York

Dear Mom and Dad;

Well, here it is Xmas and although it isn’t anything like the good time we have at home it isn’t too bad considering. As you probably know by my cable of Dec. 22 I am on Bill Lane’s squadron for my leave. Unfortunately, I couldn’t have Xmas dinner with him as he is now a Pilot Officer and I don’t belong! It is too bad but it can’t be helped!

In spite of everything else there seems to be no shortage of liquor and everyone, excluding me of course, is quite inebriated, “ye olde English spirit,” you know.

However, Christmas for Bill and I is somewhat dampened due to Syd’s absence (their Sudbury friend was shot down over France on Dec. 9th). However, we are quite confident he will turn up as a prisoner or make a clean escape from France as it isn’t too tough a proposition.

He completed the letter the next day: “Well, as you see I didn’t get this letter finished Christmas Day. Bill turned up and we went to town and had a very nice tea at a home in Darlington. Bill didn’t feel too well so he hit the hay early and I went to the dance on the station without him. The more I see of this place with the Canadian squadron, the more envious I am of Bill. He has the “swellest” bunch of fellows imaginable here – all pilots and the same types – so it is much nicer.” Donald was curious to know: “How is Katherine Anne Jr. coming along these days? No doubt the older gaffers had quite a time at Christmas or, at least you would have had quite a time with them. Well, Pater et Mater, Willie is champing at the bit so I must awa’. Goodbye now.”

When he arrived back at the base on Dec. 30, he was astounded at what Santa had brought him. Donald was quick to tell his mother of his good fortune:

Well, you can imagine the mighty pleasant finale to an excellent leave when I arrived back here and found twenty-one letters waiting for me and four parcels. It certainly was swell, quite a variation of persons too. Of course, from you and Dad, Kae, Jean. Mrs. A. C. Edwards, a lovely letter indeed, Mr. Hamilton of Ridley and my young friends as well, Jim Hinds and Gordon O’Reilly. I received a super camera from Helen, Bill and Agnes so tomorrow I will take some snaps and will send them some immediately, if not sooner! A swell box from Kae including sox, braces (scarce as hen’s teeth over here) and a real sweater. A big sweater arrived from Jean, for my birthday 1941, remember?

I am writing this under the greatest of difficulty. You remember, I told you that my wireless op was a horn player, well my flight engineer turns up with a guitar, so they are both hammering away. Well, tomorrow night is New Year’s Eve, and I am thinking of the swell times we had on that date and on Jan. 1st, I hope you have the usual time “at home.” I will celebrate my New Year’s at 6 am Greenwich time and at 12 pm Sudbury time, the same time as you will.

You asked about Mason Hargreaves of London. Yes, I knew him real well and roomed with him at Kinloss. The snaps I sent you were his and were in his kit when he was shot down. It was the same time I had to force land at [cut out]. It is not my idea to report that sort of thing in a letter but seeing you knew his mother.

Well, Mom, I have been flying tonight, and it is getting quite late so I must say goodnight for now as I could use a bit of shut-eye. Write soon and often. I will answer your letters next time I write. A very, very, Happy, and again I say, Victorious New Year Mother.

PS Perhaps you have noticed I have given my squadron number. I just found out it was OK to disclose it. I thought I couldn’t send it before because of security reasons.

Dec. 26 ’42 (same letter)

Well, as you see I didn’t get this letter finished Xmas day. Bill turned up and he and I went to town and had a very nice tea at a home in Darlington, then back here. Bill didn’t feel too well so hit the hay early so I went to the dance on the station without him.

The more I see of this station with the Canadian squadron the more envious I get of Bill. He has the swellest bunch of fellows imaginable here, – all pilots and the same types – so it is much nicer.

How is Katherine Anne Jr. coming along these days? No doubt the older gaffers had quite a time at Xmas or at least you would have had quite a time with them.

Well, Pater et Mater, Willie is champing at the bit so I must awa’.

Goodbye now .

Love,

Donald