Harold.
XXXII.
To his Father.
No. 1 Wing, R.N.A.S., B. Squadron, B.E.F.
5th June, 1915.
Dear Dad,
Very little news to tell you, but thought you might like a line or so. I saw in the papers that poor old Barnes[12] has been killed and Travers [H. C. Travers, Flt. Sub-Lieut., R.N.] slightly injured. You remember meeting them both at Hendon. Their names appeared in the casualty lists, so I presume it was not an ordinary smash. Have heard no particulars, but I should fancy they both went up at night after the Zepps, and either had an engine failure or misjudged landing. That's another old Hendonite gone, though he wasn't one of the original ones, and don't think he is in the big photo group.
We lost a seaplane pilot out here the other day. He was brought down off Ostend. Also an awfully nice Belgian I know was taken prisoner two days ago.
Have returned my Avro to headquarters and am now flying my B.E. again. I only hold the controls just on getting off and on landing. I don't like them [the B.E. machines] in bad weather. They are too automatic. I have been getting some fine views lately of the lines. It's most interesting up this way.
Babington went home some days ago and Sippe is now in charge here. He has been unwell the last three days, so I am left in command of the station—four officers under me, over 30 men, machines, and seven or eight motors of various descriptions.