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From:
E.L. Martin #314
Civilian Technical Corps

April 19, 1942

Dear Mom, Dad, & All:

     Just finished listening to the news on WGEA, Schenectady, and was sure glad to hear about the air raids on Japan.  It's about time they got some of their own medicine for a change.  The RAF have sure been giving the Germans something to moan about too.  The raids there now are heavier than the ones on London in the big blitz and that's some bombing.
     I'm doing right well here now.  I may be promoted in the next couple weeks to take charge of a watch.  The CO is contacting Bournemouth about it.  One of the Canadian corporals is going to the hospital with ulcers, or something and I am next in line to succeed him.  I would be in charge tonight, but haven't the authority to enforce discipline, so they say, so I can't take charge.  The flight sargeant told me to take charge and change it.  So here's hoping.  It means a pay increase of $2.02 a week.
     We are to have a Mass said on the camp every Tuesday morning at 6:45 AM now.  A Canadian Army chaplain came in the other day and after a canvas of the camp decided there were enough to warrant it.
     Went into Aberdeen Saturday afternoon about four o'clock, after wandering around the beach here for a couple of hours, with one of the WAAF's on the station, Lorna Dyson, and taking quite a few pictures, one of which I enclose.  We had tea and went to the Capitol Theater for "Meet John Doe" which we both enjoyed.  Then to a restaurant for supper, and back to camp.  It was our day off and the weather was beautiful, the temperature actually reaching 70 and staying there most of the day, which really is a day here.  It's daylight from 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM and doesn't really become dark until midnight.
     Lorna is from Concert (Durham County), England and was a student at Durham University.  She has a degree in science, majoring in mathematics.  She's about Pete's size and blonde as you can see in the pictures.  She's quite a pianist and likes good plays and movies, doesn't drink, and is an all around good sport.  Reminds me a lot of Mary (O'D.)  We're going to hear Pouishnoff in a concert of Chopin Music the thirtieth.  Her father is dead and she went to college through her own and her sister's efforts.  Unlike most of the English girls she's a confirmed coffee drinker.  Well, I guess that's Lorna.
     I didn't get to Edinburgh yet, but will go next Monday to get my passport renewed.  I am quite sure of getting my visa for Ireland as the C.O. got a letter from Bournemouth today and will write them his approval.  I must have a written letter of permission from the CTC authorities to get it as well as a British permit to leave this country.  One of the fellows with whom I went to Cranwell is going with me.  We'll have to travel in civilian clothes or we would be interned.
     Had half a can of sliced peaches tonight.  One of the Canadians got a package from home.  They are allowed eleven pounds.  He also has a two lb. can of peanut butter which he shares with me.  That goes well in the absence of jam and jelly on the perpetual brown bread and keeps for a long time.  Chocolate is still mighty scarce, but I managed to get 300 cigarettes from another Canadian.  He doesn't smoke and some organization in his home town sent them to him.  I havent received any packages since the middle of February but suppose they'll get here eventually.
     I'm sure plunging into photography lately, too.  Developed five rolls of film Monday night and printed part of them today.  The ones enclosed are samples.  I can do it for about 20% of what it costs to have them done here.  One of the fellows has an enlarger he is going to bring back when he goes on leave so I'll learn something about that sort of thing, too.  My camera takes 16 pictures on a roll so you can see I am taking quite a few.  It's sure a honey.  Bug would like it.  The self contained focusing unit is perfect, as you can see by the sharpness of detail at the point of focus.  I'm going to try and get a light meter though.  It's hard to get sea scenes, the intensity of light varies so much you can't judge it.  I have a medium yellow filter and am trying to get some good pictures of the rolling surf with it.  Haven't got any real good ones as yet.  Will send you a picture of the Blarney Stone if I can get it.
     Hope you got my cable okay.  I was sure amazed when it only cost me $3.65 to send it.  I can explain that "Eric" for you, I think. In order to save a word I only signed them Martin and put my name as E L Martin for the return.  You have to give your first name as well as the surname on cables I have found out and since the Western Union uses "Eric" to designate "E" they put that in as the Christian name on the cables.  If you want to cable me use the same address you do on the letters and I'll get it okay.
     Sure sounds like war to hear the family may be scattered to the four winds by the draft.  Just don't seem possible we've been together so long except for my wanderings.  Sure hope George can get into something better than a buck private.  The agreement between the U.S. and Britain seems to indicate I'll stay here for the duration.  Well, I'm satisfied so far, and am as safe as I'd be at home, so I can't complain.
     Can't seem to think of a blasted thing to write tonight so I'd better sign off and get some shut eye.  There's nothing on the radio, but German stations and they quit playing American music and the American Stations aren't coming through, so I'll not tarry longer.

Cheerio for now.

Bob