Thursday A.M.
September 6th.

Have been so very busy lately that it seems to have been impossible to find time to write. I was dog-tired last night and when we finished dinner at ten I was too sleepy to write. Was warned for an early show this A.M> but there's a very thick haze so we are waiting for a later chance.

It was good of you to think of getting that photo album and I also appreciate very much your trouble in getting the goggles, cigarettes, etc. They have not yet arrived but I expect them today.

I was telling you about meeting the formation of five Huns. I went out to intercept a wireless machine (Hun observation bus) with another chap. We lost each other so I went over the lines to see what was in sight. Coming West, out of the Sun, I passed one of our formations. Very shortly after I noticed five machines coming straight for me, evidently unable to see me in the sun. I did not expect hostile machines on account of just passing some of our own; also the five machines were like a certain type of ours, front view. When I passed between them I saw the markings!! You never saw such maneouvres as we did. They all turned and dived on my tail while I put my nose down with engine wide out and did a very steep spiral. I could hear them firing but I was too quick for them and got down O.K. I wish I had recognized them sooner as I should have got one anyway.

Later - September 6th.

Have just come down from an offensive patrol over the Hun lines. We got into a nice little scrap with Albatros Scouts. I charged one at right angles and opened fire. He dived and did a fairly steep spiral and I did the same, keeping my gun on him the whole time and firing bursts of ten shots. I could see my tracers going into his machine; I was only 40 yds. away. He suddenly dived straight for the ground. This would be at about 1500 ft. Visibility was very poor and I was too low for comfort so I climbed while they put some "Archie" up at me but very bad shooting. I think I got the Hun O.K. and we are trying to get confirmation from the anti-aircraft who were near the location. I'm quite sure I killed the pilot and in falling forward he pushed the control lever forward causing the machine to nose dive. I hope I get confirmation as it will be all to the good, eh! Later two of us attacked a two seater but he saw us in time and beetled off home in a hurry. I fired about fifty rounds at him but don't think they were any use as he was too far away. Over 50 yds. range is not much good, lucky shot might work. I assure you we had quite an interesting morning.

Have just received your letter of last Sunday evening, also the goggles (which are splendid), and a very short note from Dls. She certainly is all broken up over Bert's death; says Daisy wrote her such a splendid letter and is very brave about it all.

Thanks so much for the goggles, I have been using the pair I crashed with at Hendon; they have a very wide vision for which I rather fancy them, but they are very apt to blow off.

Your remarks re fighting and pointers on same are excellent and I apply them every opportunity, but it's very difficult when in a very tight corner to think rightly and quickly.

Will write soon, probably tomorrow. Expect to go up again today on an easier and less risky job. Feel quite keen to get my second Hun.