Series 01 Part 02: Hughes family correspondence, 3 April 1917-22 September 1918 - Page 169
Primary tabs
Transcription
[Page 169]
3.
But the best and most important feature of the whole thing is that I will probably only be there for a month or two at most. I have been told by the present C.O. of 62 Squadron in strict confidence that the Colonel told him that he is going to recommend me for promotion to Squadron commander when I go overseas, as he is very pleased with my work. That means that though only a junior flight-commander I will go out recommended for promotion and will most probably be sent home after a very short time to be promoted. At present I am ineligible for promotion as I have not been a flight commander in France. What it amounts to is that I have to go back to France anyway – that is inevitable – but if I am specially recommended for promotion, although not yet actually eligible, my service in France as a flight-commander will not be indefinite, but just sufficient to give me the technical qualification so that I can be promoted. Under these conditions if I do well out there I may be sent back very very quickly. Of course the Colonel has not said anything to me about this but it is quite reliable information.
So in spite of everything I am very lucky because I have known that I would be sent back to France sooner or later and I could scarcely go back under better conditions. After all it is just as well to go back for a short time and get it over seeing that the chances are that I will soon be promoted if I do and once I got my squadron I would be safe enough for