March 4, 1945 - A Letter to Ditson

From the Operations Record Book:  

The Squadron was ordered to stand by for operations, but owing to adverse weather conditions the intended operation was cancelled at 14.50 hrs and the remainder of the day was devoted to ground training; only 2 1/2 hrs flying training was carried out.

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Harris wrote to Ditson while he was recovering from injuries sustained during the crew's raid on Pforzheim nine days earlier.  Ditson kept the letter in his possessions following the war, only to have it chewed by the family dog.   The letter refers to Squadron Leader Edgar Pickles.  Pickles maintained an active role in the 550 Squadron Association until his recent passing October 20, 2019.

FROM ABOVE:

RAF Station
North Killingholme
Nr. Grimsby, Lincs
March 4 1945

Dear Dit,
  We haven’t heard from you yet, and are afraid to send a parcel in case it gets lost, but I thought I would drop you a line in the meantime.
  Have you been moved yet?  How is your shoulder coming along?  I expect the [doctor] will put it in a cast soon.
  We got a 48 [hour leave] out of this, [beginning] the 1st and returning yesterday.  So far, we haven’t got away [on] another trip yet, though we have made three starts.  Sgt. Robinson is taking your place for the time being.
  S/Ldr. Pickles has asked me for your address, and intends to write to you.
  It is too bad you aren’t a bit closer so that we can drop in and have a chat with you occasionally.  You must find it a bit lonely in hospital.  Is your mail coming through?  You must be badly in need of your toothbrush and so forth, but we will send the parcel on [as] soon as we are sure of your address.
  [I] hope they are making your comfortable wherever you are, [Dit], and hope you will have a speedy recovery.

Bob Harris