[Editor’s note: At the time this letter was written Hampton had just learned of the death of his brother R.C.A.F. Flight Sergeant John (Jack) Balfour Gray, who had been killed in action on February 27th.]

Canada House
Trafalgar Sq.,
London.
March 4.

Dear Mother and Dad,

I got your cable this morning, only. I don’t really know what to say. It was the first news I had heard and it gave me a shock. My heart did go out to you both and to Phillis and I did so wish I could be there to help you. It is so hard to try and tell you to be brave or anything like that. Anything I can say won’t help much but I assure you I am thinking about you and praying for you.

I won’t make this a very long letter. I phoned the Adjutant of his squadron and he is going to write to me and give me what news he can which I shall pass on to you. His gear is sent to another place and I have written there and asked them if I can do anything. So I shall hear from them and probably go up and sort his stuff out and send home any of the things you might like to have.

It is hard to believe. It is only about ten days ago since I was up there to see him. We spent the afternoon together and then he stayed with me in my hotel room. He was happy then and seemed quite content. We had a grand visit together and now I get this news. He was a Flight Sergeant and doing very well.

I have been on leave for a while. A friend Doug Taylor and myself are staying with some people in the country. We got the address from an organization in London. They are very good to us here and we are having a grand rest, nothing to do and lots of good food.

I am afraid I cannot write any more news now. I shall do all I can in every way and you will hear from me again very soon.

Much love to you both at this time,
Hampton.

[Editor’s note: While no year was included with the written date, the letter’s contents indicate it was 1942.]