China
XCVIII
The Prince of Wales

23/4/39
My Dear Mummy,
Thanks so much for your card, I discovered the spring was broken when I was clearing the underneath of the car, however it is mended now and I think all the better for it. The motor is good fun, I have been out about four times now, a road and across country. The cross country is very good fun indeed, up and down hills, through ditches, groose, along narrow paths, mud splashes and all the rest of it. It is amazing what the machines will stand and I've not been off yet. I have not done a great amount of traveling in my car as of yet, can't afford the petrol!! I have been down town once or twice and went to Bisley and back this morning to

do some shooting. The weather was foul, cold and drizzling the whole time. I did not do twoo badly and will hope to do better next time. I quite aggree with Andrew, I think cars are safer than motor cycles though I have not done much motor cycling yet. One can go quite fast on these Nortons, I ______ up 50mph the other day but the wind is strong against you and you really want goggles going at that speed. Sorry to hear about Jean, I hope is is quite alright again now, perhaps she had a pieve of ban stokke in her throat. I still have not revieved Dr. Shillitoe's letter I suppose he did write to Whittington Barracks. I went to see Bertram Mills circus yesterday his large touring company came to Aldershot for a few days. It was a very good show

indeed and included some amazing terms. One Fredenico swung across the tent holding onto a rope by his teeth only - they call him the man with the Iron jaws and he certainly lives up to his name. Karniga, the indian woman faher, plays about with snakes, coco walks on swords, hangs by her neck on a sword, rolls on her back on broken glass and finally buried alive for five minutes - an amazing performance. There were the wild lions, tigers, performing dogs who also played soccer, elephants who again played soccer, clowns including Kelly the American bobo clown who never talks but just walks round the audience in a tattered old tramps suit with a most _______ expression on his face. He is an entirely new sort of clown and really very clever. I will show you the programme next Friday.

Our company sports trails are on Monday,

I am entering for about 3 events 100, 220 yars and possibly the hop, skip and jump and the javelin if I can throw it far enough. I did 108ft yesterday, the first time I have ever tried to throw one. On Tuesday the command swimming trial came off, I have had to make arrangements for all our chaps entering. There is a rumour that I have to go on a signal course to Cattenich some time this year in which case I should probably become signal officer, however that's as may be. I saw 'Dawn Patrol' and '___' last week, both very good particularly the former, there are some good films coming this much I believe. Well I don't think there is much more to say so please give my love to Grandma and Jean. All my love to you,
Jean