EDITOR'S NOTE: Dated Dec. 23, 1943, the two letters below were the first letters written and sent home by Winfred from England; one to the Folks and one to his sister Margaret. Based on the date, Winfred’s crew would have been one of the first crews in the 453rd Bomb Group to have made it to England, Station #144 - Old Buckenham. (The last crew made it there Feb. 5, 1944.)
Dec. 23, 1943 (1) 1000 WF ENGLAND
Winfred writes a few lines to the Folks. He has sure been around; [the place he is at has been literally cut out by the censor – his Navigator, Paul Plug]; says it is nice and warm but damp compared to the States; is feeling fit; hasn’t heard from home in several weeks; thinks they have his A.P.O.; and is having a time with the foreign money (English types are mentioned).