THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

The White Gates,
Dorking.

[31 May 1942]

Dear Peterkin

Since passing the enclosed as correct I have had doubts about the title – since you tell me there are about 50 airmens hymns in the world, it might cause offence to call this one “The airmens Hymn”.  Of course the “the” really belongs to “airmen” not “hymn” – but people might not understand this.¹
I have written to Lord Lytton for a ruling and have begged him to let you have his corrections soon.
Yrs sincerely

R. Vaughan Williams

1.  The title remained The airmen’s hymn (Catalogue of Works 1942/3).  See VWL1659 for the background to this letter.