(10) No. 4 S.F.T.S.,
Saskatoon,
27-11-41
Dear Mum and Dad,
This is to be merely a hurried note as I have heard, in a day or two there is a mail leaving for N.Z., so I’m taking the opportunity of sneaking in a few more words. I’m also hoping that there will be a few more snaps ready to include, but they may not be ready in time.
Did you ever think of me in connection with a modern Robin Hood stunt? Well, with a bit of practice I might be quite a marksman with a bow and arrow, as the Y.M.C.A. here provides facilities for archery. I’ve tried it once or twice in drill periods, when within limits we do what we like, and it’s jolly good fun. Although these bows are a far cry from the hunk of willow branch I used in school days I’ve even managed to score a couple of bulls.
To-day was a very welcome day, for we were paid 40 dollars and 75 cents – a month’s pay less the 20 dollars we were advanced. Even with the Government paying the fare one can’t take a trip like ours without spending a little cash en route, and I’m glad that at last here’s some money I can stow away and keep away.
I’d give a lot to be able to snap some shots outside the ‘plane window these days, as the countryside is a great sight when almost entirely covered with snow. The Saskatchewan river runs close to the ‘drome, and a day or two ago was rapidly being frozen over. However just recently is has been really mild and the ice and snow are thawing out a bit. I bet that’s only temporary, though.
To-day we heard that for us there will be no “48’s” until Christmas. As a “48” is 48 hours’ week-end leave, I guess that means a programme of work ahead so that’s one thing we haven’t left behind us.
They have told us to call at the hospital on the station for cod-liver oil to prevent colds, because they reckon we didn’t get the requisite amount of summer this year. I’ve been lucky – or careful – and have had only a very slight cold which I’m fairly sure I caught off someone else. I think one gets the best results by not muffling up too much, and so long as it works that’s the policy I’m going to follow.
Probably I’ve forgotten something, but I think that’s all for now, so
love from
Arnold G.