15th September, 1940
Mrs. Kenneth Penman
274 Dollis Hill Lane
Cricklewood
NW2
Postmark: Birmingham, 10:30 AM, 15 SEP 1940, E.D.
Birmingham
Sunday 7 PM
Darling,
Here I am, safe and sound. We had quite an eventful journey down, two punctures, after the second one I was on guard. We decided I should go on and pave the way for the others should there be any trouble, and it happened there wasn’t. One of the boys had taken my place on the ceremonial part of the guard change, and everything went off quite satisfactorily.
I have just been and cooed in Sergeant Parson’s car, and she gave me a large plate of beef, a sausage, and lettuce, and swiss roll and tea. It was the sergeant-major’s supper, but she said he was late and didn’t deserve any anyway.
I am looking forward tremendously…
…darling, to next weekend. We’ll make whoopee, and blast Jerry and all his works.
Take care of your precious self, darling. I hope the raids aren’t too bad this week. I know, anyway, that you’ll not let them get you down, however bad they are.
Yours adoringly,
Kenneth
Sunday 15th September, 1940—RAF Fighter Command achieves a decisive victory over the Luftwaffe, downing 56 German aircraft during large-scale attacks. This day becomes known as “Battle of Britain Day,” marking a turning point in the air war.
Monday 16th September, 1940—Heavy German air raids continue to target London and other key British cities. The British public endures blackouts and air raid sirens as the Blitz persists.