Letter

This is the story of Flight AE 438.
It was a cold day in November, that Sunday the 9th 1941.

In the mess of the Air Force Base “Syerston” which stationed the 408th “Goose” Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force, the barely 19 year old Englishman Sgt Douglas Fréderick William Norton (R.A.F.), a tail gunner of the Hampden Page Handle bomber EQNE (AE 438) wrote a letter. Fate would make this his last one.

"My beloved Dad and Mom,

I am sorry that it took so long before I had the opportunity to write to you but we have been extremely busy lately. Last night I flew a raid, also the night before and Wednesday night. You see we have been busy. I woke up an hour ago and I just finished my lunch. Last night I flew to Ostend in Belgium and we have dropped our bombs straight into the docks. So I bed that it is mass there now. Everything goes well with me. However, I should admit that I feel very tired last time. I do not believe that I will be ordered to fly tonight and so I will be able to rest somewhat. Last night the other boys bombed Cologne and they have to fly again tonight. Thus I do not believe that it is so tough for me. Yet that is the reason we joined the war and we may not complain.

Well, that is it for today again and I hope you are all well and healthy. ‘Cherio’ take care, God bless you all with love and happiness.

"Doug"

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