AIRGRAPH MAIL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 170, 20 October 1941, Page 5

AIRGRAPH MAIL

LETTERS BY PHOTOGRAPH

MESSAGE RECEIVED LOCALLY

The novel method of communication recently introduced for the convenience of men of Britain's armed forces overseas, their relatives and friends, is a popular and efficient one. That the photographed mail is hand\* and is being freely used is borne out by the fact that at least one local family lias received two of these letters.

From their son, Private D. J. Wilson, who is with the Middle East Forces, Mr and Mrs R. Wilson, of Domain Road, have been forwarded two "celluloid" letters, which lie received from relatives in England. These are on strong material, are clearly legible and the space of about 4 inches by 5 inches alloAvs a

"newsy" message to be sent

The letters arc written carefully and then photographed on a very small film which is sent by air to- its country of destination, to' be then retaken and reproduced on the larger sized film. Thus much space is saved in the air mail bags.

The latest letter received bears out the speediness of such communication being dated August 31, and since then having travelled from England to Egypt, there held some days, and forwarded to New Zealand.

Past Whiakatane Resident

The letter recently received by Mr Wilson avill- no doubt interest the older residents of Whakatane, ivho will remember when Mr Jim r »Vilson, now of Barneshurst, Kent, was a resident of this town some twenty years ago. Mr Wilson spent six or seven years in Whakatane working with Mr Prideaux. before he left to reside in California, U.S.A. About four yeacsJ ago he returned to his native land an chose Kent in which to make his home.

"Ready For Gerry"

The fact that the English are still In good heart is revealed by the cheerful tone of his letter, and he Indicates that all are keen to be in the fray. Although he has passed the half century mark he is a keen Home Guardsman and writes, "I spend two nights a week and every Sunday morning preparing for 'Gerry' and enjoying it too."