Wartime Brothers 1944

Follow on Facebook & Instagram
Facebook Instagram
Background
1944 Letters from Canada
The experiences of three young people at the height of the Second World War - brothers Hugh and Keith, and Hugh’s girlfriend Joan.
Hugh P/O
Hugh
Hugh P/O
Keith
Hugh P/O
Joan

Based on Hugh’s R.A.F. logbook from October 1943 to December 1944, Keith’s and Joan’s diaries for 1944 and Hugh’s letters to Joan for this period. The account will be be built up in stages over 2024, the 80th anniversary of the events mentioned.
Follow on Facebook to see updates

103 Squadron Photograph
103 Squadron Photo
576 Squadron Photograph
576 Squadron Photo
What's New ...

Candaian adventures -
January 1942

I took a weekend off to look up some relatives in Nova Scotia. I hitch hiked there - about 250 miles - and when I arrived found that there had been a telegram telling me to return at once as our draft was leaving that afternoon. As .. I had, owing to a combination of circumstances, omitted the formality of getting a pass, this news rather shook me, to put it mildly.

…taxi’s are just the same as any private car and the drivers are some of the fastest on the road. One put us upside down in a ditch after skidding off the road at 65, but nobody was hurt much, and it gave us something to talk about for a day or two.

Hugh's first letter to Joan from the New world -
21st November 1941 ...Well, here we are, more or less. “Here” being the thriving town of Moncton, New Brunswick.
Letters from Canada

24th April 1944 - Following Hugh's seven day leave in April, Joan receives a telephone call -

Hugh phoned. Became officially engaged.

March 9th Whilst on leave Hugh gets a telegram

"CONGRATULATIONS ON APPOINTMENT TO COMMISSION"
He is now Pilot Officer.

Keith's diary Sat.25 March

Alert in the night, heaviest barrage I have ever heard.

Diary and logbook entries to the end of February. Not all flights go smoothly -

25/26 February 1944 - comment by Squadron Leader Cox following the Augsburg trip “Again, by affecting a surprise attack, the Hun was able to inflict considerable damage on our Lancaster. Another lucky crew.”

Diary entries to the end of January -

Keith's diary 21st January 1944 ... Raid. Went out on roof. 12 groups of searchlights, flames. Two 217s caught in lights.
1944

© 2024 Wartime Brothers 1944