No 2 Dist. Depot, Toronto Sun, 25 March, 1945 Lieut A.E. Brock "C" Coy 48th Highrs of Can C.A.O C.M.F. Dear Sir - I received your very kind letter concerning my son, Pte. Allan Boocock, late of your platoon, and frankly Sir I find it difficult to express in words Mrs Boocock's and my own gratitude and appreciation to you for taking the time in the midst of your many duties, to write such a long and clear account of the action in which our son became "one of the missing". That you were able to give me an eyewitness account of his being taken prisoner, along with two or three other boys, by this {word?} lad who had been wounded was really a coincidence and what one might call "a stroke of luck". I only hope this lad who gave you the information got back safely to hospital and is making a good recovery. Strange as it may seem this is the second letter I have seen written by you. Mr and Mrs Walker were up to other place [check]. You will remember their son was killed the same day and you were good enough to write them a letter of sympathy, which they prize more than I can tell you. It has meant a great deal to them. I might say here that my house is just on the edge of Toronto near Mt. Dennis & they live near High Park. Mrs Walker was telling my wife there was a memorial service last week in Toronto for men of the 48th & while there she met a Lt. Cameron who has just arrived home. Another chap who was wounded that same morning, name of Matthews, is due home on next hosp. ship, according to his wife. He and another "missing" man, Jay, were pals of our boy. Mrs Jay is in constant touch with my wife & is hoping that her husband was one of those taken with our lad & of course we are trying to encourage her, all these boys I mentioned joined you on the night of the 15th. Pte Jay was reported "missing, believed killed"& Mrs Jay has had no further word so has good hopes he is a prisoner. My work is in Stanley Barracks in the Quartermaster end of it. They seem to think I am a little too ancient to get over there & give you chaps a hand this time. Lt. Col. G.M. Alexander of the 48th is my area commander and I believe is well known to your commanding officer. The same night I got your letter I saw an account in the "Toronto Star" of your commanding officer being awarded the D.S.O. will you please convey to him my sincere appreciation for permitting you to write me and give me the information which you so kindly did. I hope if you come through the Depot on your way home I may have the pleasure of meeting you and thanking you personally for a very great favor. In the meanwhile Sir I hope the best of luck will be with you Sincerely Yours, B6828 D.E. Boocock Sgt. No 2 Dist. Depot Toronto PS. - To date yours is the only information we have had. By the papers it seems to be taking about 6 mos. for Prisoners to be reported DB
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