Reference :-

35S/C68/27/ Pl.

No. 35 Squadron,

R.A.F. Station,

Linton-on-Ouse.

Yorks.

17th September, 1941.
Dear Mrs. Steward,

I find it my unfortunate task of confirming the telegram you will have received informing you that your Son is reported missing from operations.

As Tail Gunner of his aircraft he took off on the night of the 15th at approximately 19.45 hrs to attack a target in Hamburg, and I regret to say that this is the last we saw or heard of him and his aircraft.
The remaining aircraft returned safely and their Captains reported having had a very good trip though the defences over Hamburg were very active and there were a lot of searchlights.

Usually we hear from each aircraft after it has dropped its bombs and also at regular intervals after it has crossed the enemy coast. Reception was bad on that night and only 50% of the signals transmitted by the aircraft were received at this end. Consequently, it is not possible for us to deduce where his aircraft came to grief or under what circumstances.

In spite of this uncertainty and the anxiety it will give you, there is every reason to hope that they all baled out safely or even made a safe crash landing either on the sea or on the land and are safe but prisoners of war.

I and my officers and your Son's fellow N.C.Os and the remainder of the Squadron wish to convey to you our very deep sympathy in this anxious period, and wish you to know we are all waiting with equal impatience for the good news that he is safe but a prisoner of war.

His was a good crew and there is nothing to lead us to believe that it was anything but just bad luck which brought them to grief.
I am enclosing the names and addresses of the next-of-kin of the other members of the crew in order that you may communicate with them should you wish to do so.

Your Son's kit and private effects are being attended to now by the Padre and my Adjutant. It is the regulation that they are forwarded to a Standing Committee of Adjustment who will communicate with you as to their disposal, and my Adjutant will inform you when this has been done.
You may rest assured that I shall forward you any further news immediately it is received.

One further point, I would request you to be discreet concerning the items of information contained in this letter which might be useful to the Hun.

Yours Sincerely

B.O. Robinson

Wing Commander, Commanding,

No. 35 Squadron.

Mrs. J.J. Stewart,

73 Moss Street,

Victoria B.C.

Canada.

P/O. H.S. Brown

Father

Mr. H. Brown

"Wingfield"

46, Chipchase Rd,

Linthorpe,

Middlesbrough.

Fiancee

Miss Mary Smith,

29, Layburn Terrace,

Ackham Rd, So.

Middlesbrough.

S/Ldr. J.H. Barret

Wife

Mrs. J.H. Barret,

Bainton Burrows,

Driftfield.

Mother

Mrs. J.A. Barret,

The Lodge,

Cringleford,

Norwich.

R.63675 Sgt. Arnsby, J.A.

Sister

Mrs. F.G. Murphy,

417 Dundas Street,

London,

Ontario.

Brother

Captain E.F. Arnsby,

12th Canadian Tank

Brigade,

C. Army, Overseas.

England

937479 Sgt. Green, H. E.

Mother

Mrs. J.D. Green,

265 Saltwell Road,

Gateshead.

951896 Sgt. Shaw, R.

Wife

Mrs. L. Shaw,

7, Lanseer Avenue,

Bramley.

Leeds

P.T.O

R.58473 Sgt. Fisher, S.T

Mother

Mrs. J.J Steward,

73 Moss Street,

Vicotria B.C.

Canada,

568588 Sgt. Hays, J.W.

Father

Mr. J.W. Hays,

43 Charlotte Street,

South Shields,

Co. Durham.