An interesting letter, written in September, is missing. In this the waiter described a balloon trip that he made over London in the dark, ultimately coming down near Ashford, and having an exciting experience while landing.
Early in October, 1914, the aviator went from Hendon to the Royal Naval Air Station, Fort Grange, Gosport. A letter of this date is also missing. It described his first cross-country flight, when, owing to engine failure, had to make three forced landings (from heights of about 4,000 feet), all of which he managed safely without damaging his machine. The engine was afterwards found to be faulty. In this letter he referred to the Commanding Officer's pleasure that he had made so good a beginning.
[1] Met an air-wave.
[2] The nacelle is the short body of an aeroplane, as found in all machines with propeller behind (usually called "pusher" machines).
II
ON HOME SERVICE
V.
To his Father.
Royal Naval Air Station,
Fort Grange, Gosport.