Page 34 - Leonard Tebbenham

Transcriptions of Leonard Tebbenham’s notes and letters

to his wife while he was travelling to West Africa.
All letters were subject to scrutiny of the RAF Censor

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Tuesday 9 October 1945
BOAC Dakota G-AGIT Capt Kitley

Hurn 09:10GMT – Ushant 10:30 – Finnistere 13:00 – Lisbon 15:30 arr (1hr) 16:30dep
– Cap Santa Maria 17:30 – Rabat 18:51

6500’ Day 7h41m Night 1h Speed 150mph Track Miles 1300

Tuesday 9 October 1945
th
Hotel Balima,

Rabat-Sale,

French Morocco

My dearest Blodwen,

Just a hasty line to let you know I have arrived quite safely in Rabat. The journey to Lisbon was
very tedious and after a short night last night, and the prospects of an even shorter one tonight I
am very tired and bored indeed.

Lisbon is a marvellous place, just like the Yankee Technicolor films. Bright dazzling colours, red
earth, white houses with scarlet roofs and the bluest sky you ever saw. We had a quick meal
there of two fried eggs, bacon and fruit: I had my first banana there. The restaurant was full of all
the things we haven’t seen; tons of chocolate, booze and fruit.

We then did the two and a half hours run to Rabat, mostly over the sea. It was dark when we
landed and have not seen much of Morocco yet. We get up at 5 in the morning and do a seven
and a half hour run to Port Etienne. I must get to bed now.

I miss you. All my love, Len xxx

Send Mum and Dad my love too.