Sunday, October 7th.
The weather has been awful, but nevertheless we have been doing our work in spite of the rain, wind and cold. Great success has crowned our efforts so that is really the main thing out here, isn't it? I was just called to the Mess and spent half an hour talking to the C.O.
Sunday Afternoon
I was so glad to have your letter of the 1st. today, the only letter I have had for several days. I guess the stormy weather has interfered with the Channel boats. Thanks so much, too, for the 100 Players which are most welcome.
I was out on a job by myself today, this morning at eight, and went to 17000 ft. where I cruised around for half an hour and saw nothing to go after so I came down to ten. I soon spotted some of our "Archie" and dived down to 16000 where a Hun two seater was doing artillery observation. I got within one hundred yards of him before he spotted me. I opened fire and he dived East as fast as he could go! I followed but got three gun stoppages and missed a golden opportunity to nail him. I corrected the stoppages, (they were mild ones) but they three me off my aim so that gave him his chance to get into his lines before I could speed up and pot him. After I turned back I came in for the usual attention from the Hun batteries, but I don't mind them much now unless they put up a heavy barrage in front and below me as well. Afterwards I fell in with a Frenchman who was flying the same type as I - He waved at me and we went over the lines again for a balloon; not seeing any "Archie" we got suspicious (at least I give him credit for being wise to Hun tricks) and I took a good look around me and sure enough eleven Hun Scouts were diving down from above. We turned and dived towards our lines but they wouldn't follow us in (they seldom do); We climbed again and tried to get them to come nearer to us but they don't care for our side at all except on moonlight nights!! They chased a bunch of us into a dugout the other night and I'm convinced the air is the safest place!!!
Capt. McGregor has gone over to England and I gave him your phone number and asked him to phone you if he is too busy to look you up. He did exceedingly well here and won the M.C. and I hear he is to be recommended for the D.S.O. I hope you meet him.
The weather is bitterly cold and I must get a new helmet with chin strap, so if you see anything in that line let me know. Perhaps I better write to some firm. Don't bother just now, I will attend to it.
I don't think there is anything else to write about just now. The weather is extremely "dud", high cold wind and heavy rain, so we are not flying this afternoon. My bus is still going like a charm. The gun, too, is O.K., but the oil was cold I think and the stoppages were not misfires.
Oh, yes, would you mind selecting a good warm blanket for me? Let me know what it costs and I'll send a cheque to cover same. I have been rather cold these last few nights. That Jaegar wool sweater is the real thing for flying, and the collar buttons up into a real good chin strap, but the up-to-date helmet is the only thing for here.
No doubt Fritz makes things lively around you; I'm glad you came through none the worse for it.
Must close now Dad but will drop you a line again tomorrow.
P.S.
If you see a good writing pad and envelopes will you send it along please.
