T. E. Lawrence to Clare Sydney Smith

119, Clarence Road,
East Cowes,
Isle of Wight.

21.V.33.

Throughout May I have been moving - Felixstowe, London (three times), Manchester, Nottingham, Hythe, Cowes - and so no news has kept up with me. Hence this is merely a line to report the new address.

In the paper to-day I saw a short note of a bad crash at Manston - Hutchings and your Moth, I am afraid. That is bad, very bad.

Met Lord to-day. He seemed a little shaky but the firm has sold the R.A.F. some Clouds, so they should be more hopeful.

My job here is to watch the building of five pinnaces for the R.A.F. in White's yard: not thrilling ships, but solid and costly.

The engines are being done at Manchester, and they may take me off up there again any day. But if you or Sydney are likely to be in Southampton Water any time, do send me a line and remember Carlow! The Biscuit is at Batten, of course, poor thing.

T.E.S.
 

Note
Hutchings - Flight Lieutenant Hutchings had been killed.