15/10/39
My Dear Mummy,
Thanks so much for your nice parcel, have had no time to read the books yet but am wearing the socks and you can tell Grandma that they are just night - a perfect fit - and very nice indeed. Thank Aunty for the 'Blue Book', I will return it as soon as I can find time to read it. Excuse the paper but our new supply has not arrived yet and I have had to pinch this from Ventino's table. Leave the 'Trench Coat' for the moment are you sure the place lined barberries are as much as 10 guinneass because I don't think they are, anyhow we can see when we go up to

London, which I think we might try this coming weekend, if I can get leave. If not that weekend, the next weekend. With a bit of luck I may yet save vehicles this week second hand cars and motor cycles, I do hope so anyhow. We start training chaps to send out from tomorrow onwards and as I have had to make out three seperate programmes I took like ____ kept busy. I heard a rumour the other day that I was to be made Chief Bombing Officer. That is alright in itself but when I gathered it meant I was to be taken off M.T I got a little worried, however I think it is merely a rumour as I have heard nothing official as yet. I went out with Aunty Jennym Uncle Studie and the girls yesterday afternoon. Had

a picnic lunch and tea in Lichfield thenabove the girls back. I have a standing invitation to go over there whenever I cna manage it and so have you. I may try and pop over one Wednesday or Saturday afternoon and do a _____ with them. Aunty Jenny says she will kit me a bhahi muffler and Diana is kitting me one sock another girl is going the other one! Have heard no more news about my £20 a year, I hope they havn't forgotten it. Went to a small coffee party given by some of the A.T.S today in their office, was invted by a sergt friend of mine!! Am off to a sherry party at Chesterfield lodge at Gh. on this afternoon, it is quite near Moat Banch. The McAlister were given a lot of invitations and Mrs. Alisters gave me one when I had tea here the other day. Major

McAlister is unfortunately leaving for Baron on Thursday or Wednesday and having replaced by Major Gilson, another 18th Major who fortunately I know. I wish he wasn't going, he is a grand man, a real man, somebody who you feel you'd go anywhere with him. His wife is very charming too, and I was beginning to know her quite well. There was an 'An Rambo Dance' last Friday which I of course want to. Had a grand time and took my 'Sgt friend' home but unfortunately some idiot removed my repirator during the dance, so when I want to collect my belongings at the end of the show, I found my hat but no gas mask. I have had a notice published in all orders but it is doubtful if I will get back, as it was probably deliberately thieved by some idiot who has lost his. Actually fellows are pinching them and selling them to civilians at a profit. Quite a number ofÿ

civilians have gas masks who have no right to have them. I have got one on loan at the moment, but it looks as though I shall have to fork out 19/- for another one. Am in the middle of correcting a map reading test I have set my students, also reading through a M.T. test - there are some quite good papers amoungst them. Saw Sydney Haward and Vera Pearce in "What a Man" last week, very funny indeed. I don't think I have much else to say. Please give my love to Grandma and K.Bore, looking to your letter. All my love to you,
Teddie P.S. Have my gauntlet gloves arrived yet. I should get them an approval first of all, then we ca change them if they are not suitable.