Hamilton Wray
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Hamilton "Hammie" Wray was born 8 September 1915. Hammie enlisted in the R.A.F. 10 June 1936 and his service commenced on the same date. His service number was 32506. 16 November 1940 he was posted to Aden and 16 January 1941 he joined 8 Squadron in Aden.
15 July 1942 he was posted as missing and then confirmed as killed in action on the same date. The Squadron had asked for volunteers to fly with the aircraft to Djibouti, and he had volunteered. He was killed with all the crew and they were all buried in Djibouti New European Cemetery, collective grave No 169.]
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Below are some letters Hammie sent from Aden to his family.
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532506 L.A.C. H. Wray
No. 8 Squadron
ADEN
12 January 1941
Peggy,
Here is a letter all for yourself. Should be able to read it now, send me a letter back. Granny will help you I’m sure. I hope you are learning plenty as if you don’t you won’t be able to read my letter.
Well Peggy out here we have donkeys, lots and lots of sand and rocks. It is very hot in summer, and I wear short trousers and stockings, like the little boys at school.
The men and women and the ----, who belong here are black or brown. They wear a white or black cloth around their bodies, and turban on their heads.
The Italians and Germans have been chased from here but we have to stay here in case they come back or the Japs should come. We have lots of aeroplanes and guns for them if they do come.
Are you taking care of Granny for me? You promised me you would so don’t forget. Tell Jim and Wray that when they go to school and can read I will send them a letter.
To get here I had to sail for days and days on a big boat, and I will have to do the same to get back. You will be a big girl when I see you again.
I have written your Mammy a letter so they will get there at the same time. This one is all for you.
This is all I am writing now. Take good care of yourself Peggy.
Lots of love and kisses from
Uncle Hammie XXXXXX
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532506 L.A.C. H. Wray
No.8 Squadron
R.A.F. Aden
1 October 1941
My Dear Sister,
I was so pleased to receive your letter a few days ago posted 3/9/41 and am glad you received the photos safe. I’m afraid Peggy will be unlucky as regards the puppies for they were both destroyed.
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So Jim and Harry Proctor are both in the Army now. It will do Harry a lot of good, and I expect before its over he will get all the fighting he wants. Still if he should come overseas give him my address in case he should touch here. I’m afraid I don’t know myself how long I shall be here.
We had a dance in camp a few nights ago, when we had about thirty nurses up and I for one had a darn good time. But was it a rush with about 10 fellas to each girl, but I got a few dances alright.
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It’s getting a little cooler here now and for the next couple of months the climate should be good just about that of a hot summer’s day at home, which is very comfortable after the heat of the past six months. I lost just about a stone in weight during the season and it shook me when I got found out, for you don’t notice it otherwise.
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How is Dick getting along in Moygashel? I hope you are all well and happy. Remember me to all the folk at home. I sent you a letter a few days ago with a xmas card. I hope you have received it. I will close this now. So for the present Cheerio and Love to all.
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Your loving brother
Hammie XXXXXXXX
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Letter from 532506 L.A.C. H. Wray
No.8 Squadron
R.A.F. Aden
[To Sister undated, top of letter torn off]
I have a tan that would make you envy. We have of course plenty of visitors in flies, bugs, moths, beetles, mosquito’s ants and cockroaches and a few more breeds that would take to long to mention. I must have a lot of pure blood relations among them now.
But we get some lush fruit here pretty cheap too, about the only fruit that are not plentiful are oranges and apples.
By the way, you might send me a photo of yourself and Dick and children if you have one handy. I hope you received my photos all right. I sent you three, so I want no grumbles. You should have enough to fill an album now.
I won’t write any more to this but will write again soon if I get a letter. So don’t forget to write .
Love to all.
Your loving brother
Hammie XXXXX
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Letter from Hammie to Peggy 11 July 1942
Miss Peggy Robinson
New Cottages
Benburb, Dungannon
Co. Tyrone
Northern Ireland.
532506 Cpl. H. Wray
No.8 Squadron
R.A.F. Aden
Dear Peggy,
I hope you are keeping well, also your Mum and Dad, Jim and Wray, remember me to them all. How are you getting on at school? Are you looking after Grannie for me these days?
Peggy if you have any photo’s taken, I want you to send me one, now don’t forget. I want to see how big you are growing since I last saw you. I am sending Grannie some photos by post, ask her to let you see them when they arrive.
Lots of love from
Uncle Hammie XXXXX
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[Hammie's aircraft was shot down in Djibouti shortly after this letter. ]
Info kindly provided by Jim Robinson, ashdene31@hotmail.com
