Our Father's War
Page 6
We went into Cambridge last night and had a real night out. We had plenty to talk about. He has finished his trips over Germany and is very bored as an instructor. It was grand being together again, I stayed in the mess with him and it was like the old days back in Wellington. What a lot has happened since then, it seems almost unbelievable when I stop and think about it. I am going back to London after lunch and have to be back at the squadron tomorrow at midday.
I was very pleased to receive letters yesterday dated July 7th and learn that all is going well at home. I am very sorry to hear about Ken Moses and Mrs Moses, I will write to Mr Moses with my condolences. I am still fighting fit and will have a snap taken next week and send it home, Mum. Cheerio now, best love to all, Hal.
C/- NZ House, The Strand, London August 25th
Peter Fraser (Ed: NZ Prime Minister of the time) came down to see us last week and spent the morning talking to us. He told us some very interesting news about the campaign in Greece and Crete, facts which have not yet been published and will prove rather interesting reading when the whole story is released. He seemed very proud of our squadron and the work that we are doing and said that he had just seen the Air Minister about us. He also said that when the winter comes on he would like some of the senior pilots to go back to NZ as instructors and give the lads out there some idea of what does happen. I don't know what will come of this idea and there will not be any developments until he returns home. Gary, Pip and I would probably be amongst those involved in any such scheme. However I think it rather unlikely that we will be released now that the RAF is taking the offensive and everyone has a job of work to do here.
We have our new machines now. I am flying one with MISSION BAY (AUCKLAND) painted on. I must send you a snap of it sometime. I am enclosing a snap of my old machine which has served me wonderfully for the last three months. The letter is P. I always fly P for Peter and of course my new machine has the same letters and I have the same crew of mechanics. They take a great pride in polishing the new Spitfire although I think they were sorry to see the old one go away as it was very battle scarred and had brought me home twice shot about a bit.
My new uniform (tailored in London) looks rather good. Being an officer has its advantages, we live in a gracious old country home and we are waited on hand and foot with batmen etc. In fact, the luxury surrounding us seems almost out of place these days when so many people are living in squalor. However I don't think I'm boasting in saying that we earn a bit of comfort. I'm sure that you would be amused if you could walk down Piccadilly with me one day and see the salutes that an officer receives in ten minutes. London is the worst place in the world for it. I still can't get used to having dozens of pretty girls in uniform saluting me, in fact we are frightened to walk far in London and always jump into a shop doorway if we see a crowd of soldiers coming as one's right arm nearly falls off.
It is raining today and Bill Compton and I are going into London for a night out. I must close now; I was glad to get your letter dated July 31st and also several parcels of food, socks, shaving cream, cigarettes etc. Cheerio now, best love to all, Hal.
C/- NZ House, The Strand, London, Sept 8th
I received your letter of the 13th Aug the other day and it was good to hear recent news of the family. Since last writing home I have had a most enjoyable few days leave, it was about nine weeks since I had been on real leave and as we received a batch of new pilots, one or two of the veterans managed to get some leave.
I am now the veteran member of our flight having been in the squadron longer than any of the other pilots, of course the new men all look on me as a real old stager, it is very amusing. Some of the new arrivals include a lad Chandler from Epson Ave, David Clouston who was at Varsity with me and Audy Kronfeld who was at Grammar with me. I will have to take them on their first patrol soon and it is good having men behind you that you know.
I tried to get Pip to come on leave with me but he couldn't manage it. I saw him in London two days ago merely by chance, he was buying a uniform and celebrating his commission, he certainly deserves one. We had a night out as you can well imagine and met a number of the lads with whom we travelled over on the Akaroa a year ago. The next morning being Sunday we went for a long stroll around Hyde Park, a thing I have always been going to do. The park is looking grand just now and of course there were the usual crowds of people around the Serpentine and making for Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard. The pageantry of this latter event has largely disappeared during war time however the guards still drill with the same precision. I haven’t seen much of Pip unfortunately and when we do meet we talk for hours. He is sick of instructing dumb people to fly after only a short spell of it. The same night we met Jim Steel (his photo is in No 4 course) I hadn't seen him for a year and of course we had to do a lot of talking. He is about to start his second lot of operations in bombers. Garry Francis, Harry Dobbyn, Cam White, Jim Steel, Pip and I are the only six left out of that course. John Hutchinson is in Singapore and the other 14 are unfortunately shot down.
The other day I had my photo taken in Fleet Street along with three Sub-Lieutenants in the Fleet Air Arm with whom I travelled across to England. These photos will probably appear in some NZ papers, there is also one of me alone which is quite good. The NZ press man had rung me up for some news of our latest victories. I don’t know what he will publish in NZ about it, but I asked him to leave my name out of it as I had shot down a Hun a couple of days before and consequently didn’t want to appear in the press as a "line shooter." Gary shot one down three days later and that same day Bill Wells bagged two, so the old squadron is doing quite well these days. I am afraid that I am unable to give you any good news of Ian and Bob so tell their families that I have not heard anything.
Some of us attended a reception of the NZ Society the other day held in the ballroom of the Savoy Hotel which is a rather magnificent setting for such an occasion. We were all very amused at the manner of introduction at these shows, a very important looking major-domo called out our names individually as we entered to be received by old Jordan and his wife. I could hear over the loud speaker 'Lord Camborne' and then 'Pilot Officer Thomas' as I entered the doors. We met some interesting New Zealanders and had a good yarn with old Jordan who is a good old fellow and looks after us well. I must close now, so Cheerio. I am fighting fit and enjoying life, I trust you are all the same. Best love to all, Hal.
Spitfire Mk Vb - W3406/"OU-M" Auckland III
18-9-1941 from Redhill at 15:00 hrs. Combat near Rouen official report.
ORB -12 action led by Squadron Leader Knight to form part of a close escort for Circus 99 to Rouen. A large number of enemy aircraft and a number of combats developed. Pilot Officer Hal Thomas "I was flying as Blue 3 in Circus Operation 99 to Rouen. The squadron was acting as close escort to Blenheim bombers on the above operation. After leaving the target area I became engaged in a dog-fight with a single Me109 which eventually broke away before I could obtain a satisfactory position in which to fire. I found myself a long way behind and well below the squadron at this stage and subsequently joined a Hurricane squadron flying on the port side of, and at the same height as, the bombers.
I almost immediately observed an enemy aircraft diving from behind and above in the direction of the rear section of the bombers. The enemy aircraft dived below the bombers and climbed towards them, opening fire at about 300 yards range on the last bomber. I turned in towards him and followed him up the last part of the climb, closing to about 175 yards. I fired in a quarter astern attack and observed pieces of the engine cowling coming off in front of the cockpit. I fired one burst and observed the enemy aircraft roll over and dive away out of control with dense black smoke pouring from the engine. I was then attacked by a second enemy aircraft and lost sight of the former machine."
1 Me 109 confirmed destroyed, Spitfire was W3406 "OU-M" Pilot Officer Hal Thomas.
C/- NZ House, The Strand, London Oct 15th
I have
received mail dated about Sept 18th recently and was glad to hear all the news especially from Bruce and Dorothy to whom I must write personally. I also had one from Ernie and Pat so was well off for mail that day and many thanks for the birthday greetings and the £10. I have also received quite a few cables.
Yesterday was a remarkable day in many ways. I read about Clive Hulme (Ed: cousin) and his VC in every paper, he had headlines in all the London papers and is quite a hero among the New Zealanders here, it was certainly an amazing show. About an hour later I was informed that I was posted to Aden in the Middle East as an instructor, this rather staggered me as you can well imagine.
Volunteers were called for recently for instructors to go overseas and we heard a rumour that it was probably the Middle East, America or Singapore so two of us decided to give it a go. I simply can't stand this English winter at any price and welcomed a chance to get away for a break and miss the fog and snow. We will not have much fighting to do during the winter so I will not miss anything as I should get back next summer. I also wanted to see some of the world as you know and have now seen just about all of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales and so thought that rather than spend the winter doing nothing I would have a look around.
Aden is apparently one of the hottest places in the world. Although a lad who has just returned from there tells me that the RAF have a good time and are very comfortable. I will send the exact address as soon as I can. I suspect that mail will not be too good in that part of the world. I am now commencing eight days embarkation leave and will probably dash around seeing friends before I go as I have an open travel warrant.
No doubt you have heard that Bob's body has been returned by the Germans, we heard the other day from his squadron. Actually they knew all the time that there was no hope at all for Bob but I have not liked to say anything in my letters.
Old Jordan came down to spend the day with us recently and I came back to London with him, he told me that there will be an election in NZ soon. I hope Peter Fraser is shifted; he made a hopeless impression while in England. Well I must close now and will write again before I sail and will find the best way of sending mail to Aden and advise you. Cheerio in the meantime and I trust you are all well. Best love to all, Hal.
C/- NZ House, The Strand, London, Nov 7th
I must send this letter off by clipper as you will not hear from me for some time and it is some time since I have written home. I have received air mail letters dated around Oct 12th and was pleased to hear of the news.
I have been on embarkation leave for three weeks now and have had a grand holiday in London, a number of the boys who came over with me to join the Fleet Air Arm were also on final leave and we had some great celebrations. I went home with John Tattersfield (Navy) to stay with his people in Suffolk for a couple of days; they have a lovely old home. I am enclosing a couple of snaps that were taken at that time. They were very good to me indeed, the old boy followed me around all day with a bottle of beer and we ate like horses, they turned on a magnificent dinner for me. I saw the oldest building in England near their place; it was built originally by Queen Boadicea and later used by the Romans and then the English Kings.
I also went up to Oxford and spent a weekend at Scotsdale House; the Ashtons have been very good to me in England. I wrote them a letter last night thanking them very much. Peg and Mary Frankish came down to our farewell dance at Redhill and the squadron gave them a grand time. They were very lucky being the only two NZ girls at a NZ Squadron party and they were feted by the troops. We had a ten course dinner and a dance to follow in the officers' mess. I think that Peg has written to you and you will hear all about our party.
I went down to the squadron the other day and spent the day saying goodbye to everyone. I feel pretty bad at leaving the boys although they are nearly all new men now, only five of the original squadron left. John Frecklington from Palmerston North is coming with me, he is a great lad and has done about 30 sweeps over France with us and is a damn good pilot. We also had a great number of friends to say farewell to in London and it felt exactly like leaving home when we climbed on to the train at Euston. I know London just like Auckland now.
A lad from Masterton in the Fleet Air Arm called Hugh Morrison is one of my special pals in England. We came over from NZ together and have had a flat in Chelsea together for the last three weeks. Strangely enough he had a letter from home the other day and read that his mother had met you at Bretts, Mum, we were sitting together at the time and is seemed a remarkable coincidence. I met Graham Reid in London the other night, he tells me that his father is still badly cut up about Ian; they have had a back run of luck in that family. I had to tell him that there was no hope for old Ian at all, but don’t say anything to his parents.
I wish you all a happy Xmas and a happy New Year. I probably won't be able to write to you and receive mail for some time, however my address will be: P/O H.L.Thomas, A.4136, c/-H.Q.R.A.F. A.P.O. 1475 Aden - you can write there now and have a letter waiting for me. Cheerio now, best love to all, Hal
Scotsgrove House, Oxford, October 20th - to Hal from Peggy
A line or two of thanks and farewell, even if written under the cloud of a hangover, are very necessary before you leave these shores and I only wish I were in a fit, or fitter, state to do justice to them. You may not realise it but I have become most attached to you Halsey Palsy and am most loath to see you go to that hotspot of drink and iniquity where I cannot keep a cousinly eye on you.
Just how much we revelled in that party on Saturday night I cannot hope to tell you, but I think you must feel well satisfied with yourself that you did us so well and you must have seen the self-satisfied grins we wore the entire time we were in your company. I must admit they have drooped a bit by now but I have many cheerful memories to make my nappy washing hours much brighter. Poor old Mary has come down to earth with a bitter bang as she had a tooth out this morning and is feeling somewhat desolate and in need of sympathy. She badly wants to write to you before you go but at the moment is incapable. So if a letter doesn't reach you in time you can take it from me it was not from lack of intention or interest and can count her thanks and good wishes in with this. The old girl will probably be able to rise to the occasion tomorrow so it may be in time.
As you will see I have put in a few enclosures - the first is to the one and only S.J.G You can lose or do what you like with the others but his is sacred and precious cargo you carry and must be delivered, preferably by hand. You will try to see him won't you, honeybee? But I have warned him of your partiality to double whiskies and sodas and I beg of you not to mention me when you are under the influence of such concoctions. Anything may happen! I want to send all sorts of messages but they may embarrass you so I will leave them to your better judgement. I think you know all the answers and just put yourself in his shoes and tell him all you would like to hear. I commit my pitiful case to your care, sweety pie, so be merciful and keep sober.
Now in the other envelopes you will find a little petty cash. Ten bob to make up for what I used of your drinking money. You did quite enough for us and gave us enough pleasure without doing in monetarily as well. I hope you will not be offended with me and please be a sport and say no more about the matter. The other scrap of filthy lucre is to purchase some underclothes for me at a silk merchant called Ramsamary's in Aden. If it isn’t that name, it is something very like it. Now listen to this my chicken. In the front of the shop they have inferior quality stuff but in the back room is the best pure silk which is what your Peggy wants - articles most urgently needed by the said Peggy are 1) nightie 2) a white slip 3) stockings. Probably the money won't cover all and if you are too masculine minded to purchase such definitely feminine attire, you just forget it or send stockings (size 91/2) Courage mon enfant! I know I have a terrific nerve asking you to do this and I am very naughty receiving uncouponed goods so illegally, but now I have found a perfectly good cousin I must make use of him.
Don't forget to spa
re a little thought for me sometimes Hal and I will spare many for you - sizzling in the Arabic sun. I shall drink to you in the Old Boy's Hock on Xmas Day and I shall permit you a Cherry Brandy for me - just for old time's sake. Try not to sully the fair family name, be good to yourself and keep clear of danger - make straight for all the gullies if necessary. All blessings go with you sweety pie. Ring me before you leave, much love, very best of luck and God Bless, Peggy.
CHAPTER SEVEN
1942 ADEN AND CAIRO
INSTRUCTING
At Sea, Dec 10th 1941
Just a note to drop in the mail before our next port of call as it seems a long time since I have written to you. I am afraid that there is a not a great deal of news to go into this letter as I have had a rest since last October and apart from enjoying a grand sea voyage, my activities have been nil. I very much doubt whether the air mail service will be of any use now that events have taken such a turn in the Pacific. I am very brown with all the sunbathing and I have also grown a black moustache, a photo of which will follow when it has reached a nice walrus shape. We have been playing deck tennis, have a good gymnasium and with good food and a complete rest from flying, I am fighting fit and ready for anything. Best love to all, Hal.
Durban, Dec 22nd
Just a note before I leave my present ship to embark on the New Amsterdam, my steward is taking this note on to NZ for me. I have had four days in Durban so far and have spent the entire time being driven around the country, beaches etc. The people are very good to us here and we have had plenty of dancing, swimming etc. Two New Zealanders have adopted us here, Mr Hudson, Manager of N.Z. Insurance Co and Mr S.W. Taylor, Manager of the Athene Hotel. They are going to write home to you I believe and report me very fit and well. I am enjoying life to the full at present, on my way to Aden and possibly, later, Kenya. Well cheerio, best love to all, Hal.