OSE WWI Transcriptions from the Archives

29: L. A. Strange – Western Front – 09 Apr 1915 Dear Warden,

Thank you very much indeed for your kind letter and congratulations, which were very greatly appreciated. I feel most fortunate that the work I have been able to do has been so amply rewarded, for one sees and hears of so much good work and valour displayed in ordinary everyday circumstances which never comes to light or receives its due recognition. And so, amongst it all, when after all I have only done my duty to the best of my ability, you can imagine how naturally grateful I am. I was most lucky to get four days leave at Easter, from the Saturday to the Tuesday, and I did enjoy it so, it seemed wonderful to have just that particular time, and it caused so much joy at home. I am of course delighted with my little command, a flight consists of 8 officers (four pilots and four dressers) 43 NCO’s and men, 5 large workshop and store lorries, five light tenders and two motorcycles, and four aeroplanes. I find it quite enough to keep me extraordinarily bust. Last month we did just about 100 hours flying, which considering the many bad weather days, was really quite good. Our work chiefly consists of, daily, a long strategic reconnaissance of roads and important railway centres up to 40 or 50 miles behind the lines, a tactical or close and careful reconnaissance immediately behind the enemies’ lines, locating gun positions, etc., and the remainder [in] co-operation and directing fire of artillery. Of Zeppelin we have seen nothing, and the enemy aeroplanes, altho’ I believe quite as well piloted and efficient as our own, never attempt to show fight, and unless we are lucky enough to head one off whilst our side of the lines, we seldom engage, for they immediately descend when within reach of their own lines. The reason for this being, I believe, that they realise that we are numerically superior and consequently attach greater importance to their machines for the value of reconnaissance and avoid the extra risk of losing them by fighting in the air. We are all heartily glad the winter is nearly over, and looking forward to the better weather, which make[s] our work in particular so much more pleasant. Thanking you again very much for your letter and hoping you are quite well. Yours very sincerely,

L. A. Strange

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