Letter from Sir Lawrence to his mother, Mary Pattinson
Sir Lawrence discusses 80 minutes of flying trying to patrol the trenches, which was hindered by a big bank of cloud and snow storms.
He gives thanks for the 'wolley helmet' sent by his mother and the "letter from Granny".
Letter from Sir Lawrence to his mother, Mary Pattinson
Sir Lawrence discusses doing a reconnaissance, being put up by a Brignole Headquarters and being pleased at the "amazing price of buck".
Written from France.
Letter from Sir Lawrence to his mother, Mary Pattinson
Sir Lawrence disccuses the awarding of a Military Cross to one of his 'baby' observers.
He remarks on bad weather, a lack of an appearance of the enemy and a lesser amount of work to do. He notes that the King is now Colonel in Chief of the Royal Flying Corps.
Letter from Sir Lawrence to his mother, Mary Pattinson
Sir Lawrence relates his first experiences flying alone, admitting he was 'desperately nervous' but did 'fairly well', and that it made him appreciate flying with an experienced pilot.
He remarks that the biggest difficulty was starting the plane on the ground with a Maurice Farman plane and comments that he must go to bed early to be up for duty at 6.30 the following morning, and promises to visit his mother at first chance.
Written from The Kings Head hotel, Harrow on the Hill, London.
Letter from Sir Lawrence to his mother, Mary Pattinson
Sir Lawrence discusses being alone in a Henry Harman plane, and having a small job 'looking after stores, in the flight'. He remarks on a Battalion's fight and how they were congratulated by Sir John French.
He comments that Johnny Fairbairn, a fellow student and oarsman when Sir Lawrence attended Jesus College, is doing well, flying a BE2C and hoping to get his wings soon.
Written from Netheravon, Wiltshire.
Letter from Sir Lawrence to his mother, Mary Pattinson
Sir Lawrence discusses seeing the 'fire balls' which are now being used by the enemy and includes a small illustration. He comments on other conflicts that he has been in, and remarks that he has no news about coming home yet.
Included in the envelope is a newspaper cutting relating to Sir John French's commendation to the work of the Flying Corps.
Letter from Sir Lawrence to his mother, Mary Pattinson
Sir Lawrence discusses being stuck at Rouen for a day or two and describes it as a place 'out to rob the British soldiers'. He complains about the journey to get there, but remarks he has no news because war is 'always a beastly slow business'.
He comments that his juveniles are keeping in good spirits despite the discomfort of the town owing to it being spoilt by the army.
Written from the Grand Hotel D'Angleterre, Rouen.
Letter from Sir Lawrence to his mother, Mary Pattinson
Sir Lawrence discusses a 'strut corner brawl', and describes taking a young observer along the lines only to find himself involved in a fight with four German planes. He admits he didn't manage to incapacitate any of them, but feels he has 'shown the superiority of the British pilots'.
He assures his mother he is unlikely to fight again unless it is absoultely neccessary, and remarks that he saw Roger Gould, an Australian man who had rowed with Sir Lawrence at Jesus College.
Letter from Sir Lawrence to his mother, Mary Pattinson
Sir Lawrence discusses an air combat including four of his men, during which they managed to do some damage to the enemy.
He comments that he is very busy at the moment because his Recording Officer has not turned up.
Letter from Sir Lawrence to his mother, Mary Pattinson
Sir Lawrence discusses preparations for getting to an aerodrome in Paris, checking his Vickers plane over, flying and then returning to Paris because of the conditions.
Written from the Hotel Meurice, Paris.