Montreal - Mar. 18 - May 20. 1942.
R-145388, A.C.2. Young, WE
McGill Detachment, R.C.A.F.
Montreal, Que.
Canada
Dear Mother & Dad,
I'll add this to the letter tt I started in Toronto. This is Wed. the 18th. I've seen a little of the city on two marches. One from the RR station & today on an hour's route march. It looks very good.
Today I got (forwarded) the letter from dad with the $5.00 & a letter from you with the Barnses address. I know Bob Smallwood's address. I have not had time to even phone either of them. I may this weekend. I think tt I'll love it here! the Univ Buildings are quite old. Got a letter, also forwarded from M Depot, from Katy. I haven't written the letters that I said tt I was going to in the first part of this letter. I have not been to all the different classes yet. But I like the ones so far. - They're taught by the McGill Staff.
Some of the lads are really lost in the Phy. it starts out the same as Phy 46
This is our sked:
Mon Tu Wed Thur Fri Sat
6:45 revelli
7-8 B'fast
8:25 fall in
9-10 Lecture Phy Lec Phy
in lec tut in lec tut
Chem Bld Chem Bld
10-11 tut tut tut Lab Lab tut
11-12 tut tut Phy Lab Lab Phy
Lec Lec
12-1 Lab Lab
2-3 Phy Phy Phy
Lec Lec Lec
3-4 Phy Phy tut tut
Lab Lab
4-5 Phy Phy tut tut
Lab Lab
5-6 Phy Phy Phy
Lec Lab Lec
The lec at 9-10 on Mon & Thur. might be Trig. We have not been to it yet.
The tut mean "tutorial" which is a bull session with a prof. to straighten out things in Lec & Lab. So far all we have had is Phy as it applies to radio.
I'm sending an emblem pin with this letter. Don't give it away. Either you or dad may have it.
It's 4:45 PM I think that I should wash for dinner. I think that it would be nice if you could come up here. I'll know more abt it later.
So 88
Wendell
March 24, 1942
Dear Mother
I have just mailed the Pin to you for Katy. Couldn't get a card to fit the box. Sending it insured for $5.00 & inside a customs Declaration on it.
Went to Smallwood's (Bob, Alice, & Fran S.) for dinner Mon night. Had a nice time. Have not been to see Mrs. Barnes. She thinks I'm at the wireless school. I'm five miles from her place. Hi Hi. WEY
[This letter is one one side of one postcard - in truly tiny lettering]
March 27. 1942. 9:00 PM #20
Dear Mother & Dad, thanks for sending the lighter parts. Have you received any money from the RCAF yet? Please send Jean's name & address. It was nice of her to write. Was there any trouble with customs about Katy's pin.
I'm glad that you are wearing the one I sent. Tell me if I have not written a description of this place. I want a camera. I don't know what to do about one. It's all right to have on here. I want to get a small flat one. I saw a nice Ziess Icon (baby) with f 6.3 lens in a Toronto pawn shop. Sorry tt I didn't get it. Sort of wish tt I had my car here for Sundays. Montreal is full of Austins - all sizes - . Havn't seen Mrs. Barnes yet. 5 miles long way. How old is Justina? Had a swell time at Smallwood's. Mr. Smallwood came and got me. Would like socks with extra wool. That little slide rule is a a life saver. Also the telescoping cup. There is no drinking fountain in the dorm! I would like some exposure curves if they are not for a certain latitude. Payday is next Tue. I'm going to buy one or two shirts. Only issued with two. Got on an awful itch to fly today.
March 28: B.C. i.e Before Class
Did you hear about the goose that layed the golden egg. - show tt one to Maxwell. I'm going to write him one of these days. This is Sat morning we have two tut's & a Lecture. I think that I'll go window shopping this afternoon, & maybe go up and see mont royal park, or go down & see the river I haven't seen either yet.
It's an airforce regulation against cameras, but every body has one & they overlook it at this station. There are so many things to take pictures of in Montreal. Got a letter from Romeo & Joe, Romeo is at Brandon waiting to be posted to service flying school. Joe is still in Ottowa. Said tt he would come over the weekend after payday. If he doesn't I might go over there.
Well, our "tut" has started. It's mostly just a session of dumb questions. Sometimes I ask a question, but the answer is over the heads of all but about 5 lads in our flight.
So 88 etc. Wendell
April 11, '42
Sat. 1515 hrs
R-145388, ACs Young WE
RCAF Detachment, McGill University
Montreal, Qeu
Dear Ma,
I miss your apple pie. That's what all the boys sing around here. I've been sort of slow about writing letters. We're quite busy. I haven't read a magazine or a paper since I've been here. Our Bar Exam was postponed 'til next Wed, 9 to 12:00. It's sure nice to get letters. Any news is news. I wrote Jean Berke[???] a letter.
We're getting to the point where I have to study hard. I still find A.C. difficult.
We had a swell trip back. It seemed 1/3 as short as the one going. From Galt on I had a swell time. Paul Weber got on there. He's more of a card than Joe. From Toronto to Montreal the train was in 2 sections with 16 cars in the first section. Practically all service men i.e. very few civilians - Airforce, Navy, Army. - And W.A.A.F'S. They are not WAAF's anymore. They're W.D's means Women's Division (of the Airforce). I met one of them in the train (coming back). We had coffee in the diner together. She was a real nice kid. Jean Barnes. Came from near Barrie. Not very pretty - but blonde.
My money goes in spurts. Today my cleaning & laundry came to $1.00. I bought a little pocket frame that is leather covered & unfolds into a desk picture. Put Katy's picture in it. The frame cost 85 cents. Thur. I got a haircut & missed my dinner & so tt all came to 1.00. Today I bought a pullover jacket for $3.00. It's made of that light cloth from England. It has knitted wrists, neck & waist.
I got it for riding. I didn't think that I would need anything but we can wear no part of the uniform when engaged in sports. If I had known, I would have brought a light jacket back with me. But this is very good. It's warmth depends on what I put under it, so it will be good all the year around.
I went to a movie this week 67 cents that & 25 cents for one of those street pictures came to another buck. The picture wasn't very good. The movie was swell - "Woman of the Year". It's the second movie that I've seen in Montreal. We've been here one month next Monday (I think). I should take a shower this afternoon. It's snowing. It was like spring a little while ago. grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. The 5.00 that I paid Paul, the money that I spent on the train & what I have in my pocket seems to account for it all. I'm hungry. It's 4:30 now. Taken me 1 hr. 15 min. to write this much.
Today I got a letter from you, Jack Kelly & Romeo. That clipping on the flying fortress was very good. I read it aloud to my roomates.
Romeo is at #11 SFTS in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. He's flying twin-engined Cesna's. A nice flying ship, but the wings come off. - Not Always. That means he'll be a bomber pilot. I sure wish that I could be there too. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! It seems that Jack Kelly is washed out - as pilot - . As he puts it, "I've been switched to the Observer's Course" It's too bad. I think that he would have made a good p. pilot.
The food hasn't been quite as good this last week. But still OK. I haven't seen either the Smallwoods or the Barnes since I got back. This last week has gone very fast. And yet Toronto & Manning seems a long way back.
Heavy as our boots are, I've worn a hole in the left one. They may issue me with my second pair while they are fixing my first ones. They're supposed to, but probably wont.
I wish I could dance. The class of '45 nurses invited 50 airmen to their annual dance. Paul went. Met a very nice girl. It's about the only way you can. I'm going to try my luck around the riding stables. I've seen some very pretty girls riding alone. - She was only a stableman's daughter, but all the horsemen - knew - her.We don't have much time for girls but the days are getting longer & so can go for walks, etc. in Mount Royal Park. It's about 1 mile long & 1/2 mile wide. That's where we would ride horseback. I haven't yet.
My roomates are Keith Brown (The tall one in that picture), Ken Latta (The other one in the picture) he's a comical scotchman, & Bill Knight. All swell fellows.
I have shot one 18 ex roll of film. Have not gotten it back yet so don't know how I'm doing for exposure etc. The curves tt Dad sent are a great help.
I wish that I had brought some Briggs back with me. I didn't have much room and I don't smoke very much. - Usually on the weekend & sometimes not them.
Last night I made a new name-card for our door. I put on it: Elmer Oersted, Moose Jaw, Ont: Joe Douka, Toronto, Henry Ery, Timmons, Ont. Ken & Bill came in late & when they saw the names, they thought tt they were on the wrong floor. Ken didn't even look at the room number - just turned & ran down the hall. Bill took a good look at the number & yelled to Kenny that it was the 4th floor. They came in feeling sort of sheepish. Keith & I & George were in here. I had been playing my slide whistle. And they hadn't even recognized that! We all just about split a gut. I may not write again until after the bar. I ate, & it is now 18:50 hrs so I think tt I will stop. So,
88 Wendell
P.S. I wish that you would save my letters, I don't keep a diary, & the letters will be some sort of a record.
W.E.Y.
April 29, 1942
Dear Mrs. Butman,
To-night there was a notice on the bulletin board: AC2 Young, WE-Parcel at desk.
I lugged it up four flights of stairs - my roommates on my trail.
As I unwrapped it, Kennie said, "Probably more riding boots from home".
Funny how the thought of riding makes your mouth water," said Bill.
When we saw the box Kennie said, "Laura Secord's!"
And we all said "Ummmmm!"
I found the card. 'The Butmans'. "Katy's maw," said Bill. My roommates all know Katy. I have a little Air Force-blue leather folder with her picture in it. The lads are always hiding it - and getting their heads bumped together.
We had our usual Wed. route march this afternoon. It was quite hot. Have not been issued with summer uniforms yet.
I'm getting into the swing of it now. I found quite a difference between U.S. Army regulations & Air Force. I miss Ann Arbor & all that goes with it, but I'm not at all sorry that I joined up. It would have been a year before I could get into the Army Engineers. I much prefer the engineer's work to all this very secret work. But I keep telling myself that I may yet get a break & be able to fly. I'd even like to fly in the Grasshopper Squadron.
Our mail out is very uncertain. Either held up by censors or just not collected for a while.
It was really swell of you to send us those delicious chocolates.
I just asked Ken how to spell 'sincerely'. He said that he never could & always wrote
yours truly,
Wendell
10:55
May 3, 1942
Montreal
Dear Mother & Dad,
I got up for breakfast. Have to wear complete uniform for all meals. After breakfast I changed into khaki fatgue pants & 'T' shirt. Think that I'll take a shower & put on my clean shirt for lunch. I would like to go out to see the Smallwoods thisi afternoon. I was going to Attawa but Joe wrote & said not to come because he was on fire picket duty this weekend.
You know that I've been looking at chronographs in A.A., Windsor, Toronto, & Montreal. I've been in about every store in those cities and could not find one that I liked. All of them had just 30 min elasped time. And the cheapest ones were 37.00 (with the time-out) 25.00 for the one without the time out feature. I had just about given up. But yesterday Ken & I were going into Eatons to get his sister a pin. I stopped at the watch counter out of habit. I almost fell over when I saw a chronograph with an 11 hour elapsed time on it. It is only 45.00. The only other one like that I've seen cost $125. This 45.00 one is a Swiss watch. It's realy good!! I'm buying it on time. The way I've been wasting my money on 'cokes, malted, movies @ 67 cents etc. I have not been able to save a cent. So by getting it on time, I have to save it. I paid 15.00 down & the rate is 5.00 per month. But next month I'm going to pay 10 & the next one $15.00 & then the next 2 weeks the balance. It leaves me with $1.05 for the next two weeks for laundry cleaning etc. If you could spare one dollar it would be good. Dont send any more or I'll be sorry that I mentioned it. After this next 2 week, I'll be on my usual budget of 14 per month or less. The watch is worth it. And it will last a lifetime.
That picture in Life that you sent is G.G Ross. He's standing right under the 'G' in the picture.
I've not been dancing yet, and probably wont be for some time. Apt to meet some girl and tt would cost money.
Ken wants me to go on a 10 mile sight seeing trip for 25 cents but I think that I should go out to the Smallwoods.
Those Kodacolor prints are swell. I put the one of Katy alone in my little folder.
I'd like to start an Air Force photo Album. It would cost me a $1.32 to get the pictures that I have printed in an Argus printer.I could send the neg. home but Dad is so busy & I don't know how I could send a roll of 35mm. I don't want to cut it up because it can't be used in a printer then. I'll probably wait until next payday & get them done. But I do think I should keep a picture record with notes under each - while the subject is fresh. That was my one regret about Fort Custer. I have the negs. but I have forgotten what most of them were.
[Dad never did learn - I have a stack of snapshots from Montreal (I think) and, because they are not labeled, I have no idea who the people are]
I wrote Katy - I think again, I'm not sure -. I wrote Mrs. Butman. They sure are nice. My roommates couldn't get over it.
It has taken me an hour and a half to write this much. You see why I don't write very often.
I was going to take a shower & shave & I have 10 minutes before dinner so I better stop.
88 Wendell
P.S. Will try to write Grandpa soon
W.E.Y.
May 5 '42
Dear Mother & Dad,
I hope you got my letter about the watch. Well, it turns out that they won't let me have it on time. He said that it was because I hadn't been in the RCAF a year. HOLY MOSES! Hardly anyone left in Canada has been in a year. I think it was because he was French. There is very strong feeling against us here!
I'm just about sick. Could you spare $29.00 Canadian? I could pay you the rates that I had planned to pay Eaton's. I wouldn't care only it is the only watch that I've seen with the hours elapsed time. Let me know.
88
Wendell
5:00 PM May 7. 42
Montreal, P.Q.
Dear Mother & Dad
Got your long letter this noon. I doubt if I can get off on the 25th of May. I'll be able to have from any Sat noon to Sun midnight off. I saw Mrs. Smallwood Sun. She told me something of your plans. It will cost a hell of a lot to do all that driving & the Wash. trip.
I'd really be too busy to take care of a car here, anyhow. The Smallwoods & the Barnes are quite close together. Don't send us anything with sugar in it. We have all the C12H24O14 that we can eat. You might bring me. (1) some Briggs (I don't smoke much but when I do I like Briggs) - 1/2# say. (2) a picture of the Gypsy for Mr. Smallwood - if Dad has time, otherwise I'll give him the one I have. I may add to above list later.
Glad I had the wrong idea about Katy's clothes. I think she's swell. I like Mrs. B, too [Katy's mother]. Even if I can't get a word in sledge-wise.
I was worrying about the guns in the basement. I should have taken them up before I left.
I think the A.A. rain & cool wx moved up here.
I heard that Jack was drinking quite a bit & would get air sick & couldn't fly for sour apples. An Obsv. is a good job. Ed Gimby is planning to get it. Said he was afraid tt he'd wash out as a pilot. I'd like to be in Romeo's place. He at Service flying School (Bombers), Yorktown Skat. Jack could probably get a good job after the war on X oceanic planes as Nav.'r.
6:00 PM
Just got your telegram. Showed it to watch dept. in Eatons. Said that they'd hold the watch for me. Very nice of them.
10:00PM
$20.00 is too much for a birthday. 5.00 is plenty. I'll try to pay you as much as soon as possible so that you can spend it in Canada. I have 20.50 now - counting the 10% on $5.00. I owe my roomie 6.00 - that made up the bal. on the down-payment (which was refunded) - I may be able to save 6 or 7.00 out of my next pay (middle of month) & at the end of the month I should be able to make the total 16 or 17 (6 or 7 above, + 10) I could give it to you when you are in Montreal.
Right after I found out that I couldn't get the watch I had to write a BB. I know the stuff 100% but only got 58% - funny. Or is it? Anyway they don't count much.
Well, this letter is all that I've done tonight -
88
Wendell
Sun 10, '24
Montreal
2200 hrs
Dear Mother & Dad,
Just a note. Went out to the Smallwood's yesterday afternoon. Thought Joe might come. He did. Stayed there all night with him. And then we came back to the barracks for Sun. dinner - That's our one good meal. - Then we went to the NW side of the island - by street car (Through the country) - . Went for a 6 1/2 minute boat ride for 20 cents. It was nice to get into a boat again.
The Smallwood's have a very nice apt. Mrs Smallwood gave me a note to put in this letter. I got the 30.00 OK. The watch is swell. I got it as follows:
5.00 from Kennie. Will pay him on Fri.
10.00 from my pay
5.00 from you + 50 cents
30.00
50.50 total
46.80 watch + tax
3.70
3.00 laundry, a midnite lunch, & today's trip.
.70 which is enough to lat til Fri.
I got 35.00 from you altogether + 5.00 for Birthday.
30.00 which I owe you. I'll have some if it when you get here. I should be getting some money from the U of M Flying Club soon.
I got a letter from Scott. Haven't had time to answer it. This is Mother's day. I never know abt things in advance. I was sorry tt I didn't send a card, at least.
After we get to Clinton we'll be getting $60.00 per moth. - $10.00 to you leaves 50 per. which is a lot.
Well its 10:30 pm now. I think that quit.
88
Wendell
May 12
Montreal
Dear Mother & Dad,
Can't find any writing paper. Did I tell you that I spent the weekend at Smallwoods? - with Joe. If I did, I forgot to send you a note that Mrs. Smallwood gave me to send to you. I'll send it this time. I hope.
Would you add to that list of things to bring my tennis racket & 3 balls. If you can buy any. I think that you could get 3 tennis balls - sealed in a can - at Ulrich's Bookstore for $1.00. My roomie is going to bring his racket & Joe has his. Neither Bill nor I can play very well. I think that we'll play on the McGill Courts. We don't get much exercise. In fact we might be able to get out of the Wed. route-march on order to play tennis.
What about the dogs? I think that you should bring them. I would like to see them very much. And Lady & Mudje would really enjoy the cottage! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
We should have a station wagon. Or use my car. The Smallwoods have a little fenced in back yard. - re dogs - . The one thing Kennie and I both miss is a dog. I don't think, in fact I know, you won't have to do anything to the canoe. - for such a short time - using it.
We have 8 weeks more at McGill. We might have the first whole week in July off. - If we pass - It all depends on when Clinton starts its next class. I not sure but I think that I would like to spend that leave - if I get it - at Ann Arbor - You see, it might be only a few days. And then, when I get two weeks - (1) the last week in Aug & the first in Sept. If I get the short (6 week) course at Clinton or (2) the last two weeks in Sept if I get the long course (10 weeks) at Clinton. I would prefer the short course. I don't think that we'll know until we get to Clinton.
I'll send you a map marking Smallwood's & Barnes in a later letter. The general layout of the Island is:
This morning at 10 min to 8 the corporal came around and told us tt we were to parade at 8:00 (instead of 8:25). We all started to rush around to shine up. I was shining my boots. That finished, I looked around for my tunic. "Where the Hell is my tunic?!" Then I looked at the one that Kennie was briskly shining the buttons on. It was mine. Ken almost passed out. All that work on the wrong coat! I gave him a penny. He did such a good job. We're always getting our things mixed up but that was the prize!
Well I must stop.
88
Wendell
P.S. I have a date with a nurse for Wed. night. I told her that I was broke. She said that she didn't mind & that she liked walking. She's from Newfoundland & is Graduating on Mon. So I guess I'm safe. hi hi W.E.Y.
May 17, '42
Montreal
Dear Mother & Dad,
So far as I know, I wont be off duty until noon Sat. I'll eat & go over to the Barnes'. I should get there at 10 min to 2:00 PM.
If you should get to Montreal before Sat, I can be phoned between the hours of: 6:30 to 8:AM; 12:05 to 1:30 PM; 6:05 to 11 PM - if I'm not eating. It's just a payphone down the hall & somebody usually answers it. The number is: MA00A9 & you ask for Young in 434. The airman will then stick his head out and yell at the top of his lungs for me! If you dont get me, ask for anybody in 434. It's useless to leave a mesage.
Assuming that you can drive over: About the dogs. I would like to see them. Why not drive to Montreal. Stay a few days. Let Dad take the train to Ottawa - might be more convienent to just take a taxie (in Ottawa) & not have to worry abt parking etc. - Then I could drive you & the dogs to ottawa. It's only a little over a hundred miles. I would then take the train back. I get a cheap rate on the train. I could get an all-night pass. - We could leave for Ottawa at 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM & get to Ottawa in 3 or 4 hours. There is an easy train back - would get me there in time for class.
So far I think tt I've asked you to bring a picture of the Gypsy - If there's one of me tieing her up at the shore at Kellaly Pt., might bring it too,; some Briggs - but if you don't have time to get it, don't bother.; My tennis racket & some Balls - they're had to get over here -.; Principles of Radio by Henny; Calculus by Love (not Miller) (I have two). I can't think of anything else.
I spent the week-end at Smallwood's again. Kennie wants me to out. So I will post this now.
88
Wendell
May 18 '42
Card No 1
(New Series)
Dear Mother & Dad,
I got a letter from Dad & 2 from Mother today. Don't separate the dogs - they'd fret. Would Jean Dawson Berk.... be better to look after them? Don't forget my tennis racket & Radio Book. The watch is swell. Hope to see you Sat.
88
Wendell
