A/N: I should mention Maggie and Grace are the names I have given to Hugh Reid's daughters.
1940
For a long time Flight Lieutenant Andrew Foyle sat on his bunk, writing pad in his lap, pen held loosely in his hand staring off into the distance at something that only he could see. Finally he took a deep breath and began to write.
Dear Dad,
Our first combat op is tomorrow! I can't believe it is finally here after all this time. We are all so excited to finally get in the air and give Jerry what-for! Wing Co has given us strict instructions to get a full nights sleep and make sure we have "our affairs in order." Which basically means making sure we have our letters written. It is very strange to be writing a letter I hope never gets posted.
We don't really talk about it of course, but we all know that coming back isn't a guarantee. I truly hope everything goes well and I will see you in a few weeks when we get some leave. But just in case there are some things I want to make sure you know.
I know I haven't always been the best son and I am sorry for all the worry I have caused you over the years. It was never my intention but as you know sometimes I'm not very good at stopping to think things through.
One thing that I did think through though was my decision to join up. I know you weren't very happy about it but you must understand that I couldn't have stayed at Oxford with everything that is going on. I don't regret it Dad. I regret the worry I will have caused you but even if it costs me everything I know it was the right thing to do and I pray that the war will be a little shorter for what I have done.
You have always said that the most important thing a man can understand is the difference between right and wrong and that a man must stand firm, regardless of the consequences, for things of true importance. You have spent your whole life living by these words and I hope that one day I might be half as good a man as you.
If I must die to protect England from the Nazis then I will do so. I hope it never comes to that but I suppose if you are reading this it has. Do not blame the RAF Dad I made my own choices.
I cannot begin to tell you how much I hate the idea of causing you pain. If it has come to this please promise me something Dad. Promise me that you will look after yourself. Please. Keep living and fishing and do try to smile now and then. Let Mr. and Mrs. Reid help and please keep an eye on Maggie and Grace for me.
You have always been my hero Dad and the best father I could have asked for. Thank you for everything.
God bless and God speed,
Your loving son,
Andrew
He re-read the letter several times before carefully folding it up and placing it in one of the envelopes beside him.
Half an hour later he had finished the other letter he needed to write and rising from his bunk with a sigh placed them carefully in the bottom of his locker where he knew they would be easy to find. He glanced around the barracks and then went out to get one last cup of tea before bed.
The End