1944______________________________________________________________

On Nov.15, 1943 he started service flying at #1 S.F.T.S. Camp Borden. After 5:45 hours dual he soloed in a Harvard on Nov.22. His log entry has the comment 'Nothing to it????' His last flight here was Mar.7, 1944.

Also this month 438 squadron, which he will later join, ships out from Canada for England aboard the Mauritania.

Ted did more Harvard flying at No.1 A.T.U. Edenvale from Mar.14 to Apr. 3rd.

From April 22 to June 3rd Ted was stationed at Maitland, Nova Scotia.

Starting June 20,1944 he was flying at the No.1 O.T.U. in Bagotville until Sept. 8th. His first flight in a Hurricane was there on June 24th.

He then spent a few weeks each at Greenwood and Camp Borden until Nov.23, 1944.

Wed. Nov. 29

Mauritania 34000 tons, 8142 on board with a crew of 500. We are four days out from Halifax now and its been pretty good trip. Sort of rough and a heck of a lot to do but okay. Today we sighted our escort destroyer sent out from England. Everyone so glad to see it they rushed over to the side of the boat. And when eight thousand people on upper decks shift something is bound to happen and it did, we almost tipped.

[The Mauritania was the second Cunard Lines ship with that name. The squadron he later joins, No. 438, crossed on this ship a year earlier]

Thurs. Nov.30

This morning we had a destroyer either side of us then we sighted land about 11. A few airplanes shot us up. Tonight there was a darn good RAF stage show, I really enjoyed it.

Fri. Dec.1

Windy and foggy out so we won't dock until tomorrow, just out from Liverpool now.

Sat. Dec.2

Still too blame stormy to dock, quite a wind blowing. Slept most of the day.

Sun. Dec.3

Still a strong wind, but rumored that we dock this afternoon. I sure hope so. It was a week ago last Friday that we came on board. No go on docking. Saw a show tonight.

Mon. Dec.4

All the boys getting touchy, cause we still can't dock, the boat is anchored off the Isle of Mann. Water for drinking is running out and also our food.

Tues. Dec.5

Well at last we are going to dock. A long twisty channel marked with buoys to avoid sunken ships. OFF about 10 PM. Sure good to get on land, then up to small train. SU.K. gave us tea at station, ate 'K' rations issued on boat. Traveled all night.

Wed. Dec.6

English countryside sure looks smart, seems like summer but its cold. Arrived Bournemoth at noon. I'm on 4th floor of a hotel. This is really a smart place, hotels all over the place. And the parks are still green, almost tropical but its cold. The money is confusing but fun so are the busses. Went to show 'Lena Horne'. Almost lost in dim out trying to get back.

[Bournemouth is a resort town on the English Channel. Its many hotels were used by the Royal Air Force to billet the airmen from the 'colonies'pending postings to air bases.]

Thurs. Dec.7

Getting settled. Filling out forms. Gas equi. busy all day. Spit, Tiffy, Barracuda, Sunderland, shooting us up, gosh but they're smart. Met Bill McKillop, sleeps on the floor below me. Good to see someone from the home town. Out to another show 'Lena Horne'. Almost lost again. I'll have to get someone to go dancing, hope Alice doesn't mind. I sure do miss her.

Fri. Dec.8

Almost freezing here. I can't get warm at all. And I'm drinking too much tea, that's all you see. Had some physical tests and I'm in awful shape. Met lot of fellows I knew in Canada. Saw 'Bathing Beauty'.

Sat. Dec.9

I've got a terrible cold, and the swimming test this morning didn't help it. Went for a walk along the shore then to show 'Dr. Wessell'.

Sun. Dec.10

Made arrangements for leave and feeling much better. Lectures this morning from C.O., M.O. etc. etc. Saw 'Dive Bomber' then in early.

Mon. Dec.11

Had talk by S.I.C. We were almost made [here Ted draws a letter E in a circle with wing on right side] but OTU was on our side.

Got issued our flying kit and checked it. Saw 'Lost in a Harem' then in and packed.

[The symbol he drew was of a brevet, or half wing, an insignia sewn on the uniform at graduation from the BCATP indicating occupation: E means engineer]

Tues. Dec.12

Vacated our rooms and checked our luggage. Going on leave tomorrow. Went for a swim in P.M then to show 'Pimpernel Smith' with Leslie Howard. Got first letters from Canada. Three came from Rusty.

Wed. Dec.13

Left this morning on leave, and what a day, cold and foggy. Not very far from the camp. Col. Samuel met me. I rented a bike, had some tea and we went out past an airport to some old ruins, a monastery at Beauleiu, slept at neighbour's place.

Thurs. Dec.14

Slept in, had dried egg omelet for breakfast. Saw old church from 1070, rode around town a little. Had rabbit for dinner, then chopped some wood. I miss Alice an awful lot, I think of her all the time. It sure would be good to be with her again. The Samuels were pleased to get some bars and cigarettes I gave them. Their son, Mike (17 yrs) came home today. Just a little fellow. He was in Canada out at Vancouver.

Fri. Dec.15

Out on the bike with Mike into the village. Dropped in on Kenchingtons. A nice family, four girls. Lucy, Una, Frankie, and Pam, Just like Judy and Robin at home. Gave them some bars in the afternoon and told them some stories. Out walking with Mike.

Sat. Dec.16

Around the town a little but its raining. Into Kenchingtons for a minute. Took train down to the ____ and saw 'Mark Twain'. Back to party at Mrs. MacEntegart. Her son (11) is at S.A.C. so was interested in the place. Had cider, cake, chocolates etc. Heard about 22' snowfall in Toronto. She is cousin of Dickie who was at S.A.C. with Bill and Tom. I'm in much better spirits now, but it would still be great to get home. Went to see Mr. Jones who was in Burma a great part of his life, didn't say much though.

[Mrs. Anne MacEntegart, Holbrook House, Brockenhurst, Hampshire]

Sun. Dec.17

Packed in the morning then off on 3:30 train to London, slept most of the way. Arrived after blackout. Confused in Waterloo Station but finally found the tube and after much trouble found Sloan Sq. and Lady Ryder's and secured lodging at Officer's Club just off Trafalgar Sq. Also a great time finding my way. They hid the entrance down an alley. Finally got to bed with sirens only once for buzz bombs.

Mon. Dec.18

Lovely day, walked around Trafalgar Square then down to Houses of Parliament, past Downing Street, then into Wesminster Abbey. It is really impressive. Back to the Sq. and feeding the pigeons, had my picture taken. Out to Mdm. Taussad's Wax Works then back to Picadilly Circus and bought some slippers. 36/ ($8.00) Saw a show 'Summer Storm'. I'm pretty lonely. I guess I need a feminine friend. Sure would be great to get home.

Tues. Dec.19

Met Bill Holmes in Trafalgar Sq. He was waiting for George Watt. Down to Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral also Guild Hall. Back and saw stage show, 'Peek-a-boo' Dixie. Sort of a striptease.

Wed. Dec.20

Real foggy out, down to an hour and half wait at station then back to Bournemouth. Staying at Russell Court again. Saw a show 'Mask of Dimitrios'. Got letters from Alice and Pete Dunc. Good to hear from home.

Thurs. Dec.21

All day off, had tea and cakes. Saw show 'Hitler Gang'. Got trunk back to room and packed. Had a good hot bath. Soaked for an hour or so.

Fri. Dec.22

Lecture from C.O. about Christmas parties. Didn't take my pay, I'll leave it in the bank and see how much I can save. More letters from home. Ken is out of the air force and feeling blue. I think he is lucky. Writing a lot of letters. Saw 'Goldwyn Follies'.

Sat. Dec.23

Wandered around a little more of Bournemouth. Saw some roses in bloom in the park. Writing quite a few letters and sent cables home. Went to fire watch at a hotel but it was closed. Back to dance at Regal Bath. Everyone drunker than heck. I had fun though. First dance since I left home.

Sun. Dec.24

Slept in, nice clear day. And news that the air force is checking the German drive on Western Front. A Mustang gave us a nice shoot up. Down on beach then to a show 'In Old California'. In all night.

Mon. Dec.25

Had a pretty good Christmas dinner, then over to Lady Ryder's to play ping pong. Saw show 'Love Story'

Tues. Dec.26

Started swimming exercises in the pool. Then over to Lady Ryder's and had a darn good time dancing. Then to show 'Ministry of Fear'

Wed. Dec.27

More swimming today with dinghy drill, rubber boats and flying suits on, lots of fun. Dancing again at Lady Ryder's. To dance at Westover and had a great time.

Thurs. Dec.28

Swimming again. Playing with Bob Lowery at Lady Ryder's then to tea dance, in all night writing letters and playing cards. Been here three weeks, and no mail from family. I must've been homesick before, but I'm okay now (I think) having better time anyway.

Fri. Dec.29

Took artificial respiration then out on a bus to show 'Meanest Man in the World'. Back to Lady Ryder's with Joan the nurse. To 'All Clear Show'.

Sat. Dec.30

Master Parade in afternoon. Heard that ten of us were posted to S/ OTU (Spits) but canceled. To dance at Westover, had a terrible time. Lady Ryder's in the afternoon.

Sun. Dec.31

Slept in, over to Radar's with Bob Black. In all night and sat up till New Year.