[Editor's note: This letter was sent to the Gray family by Sheelagh Brunelle. Sheelagh had met Hampton at a dance in 1942, and for 50 years had kept a that letter he had written to her following their encounter. In 1992 she wrote to Hampton’s sister Phyllis Gautschi, enclosing the1942 letter from Hampton. Below is Sheelagh’s letter of 1992; Hampton’s letter is posted separately under letter date 1942-03-16.]

May 15

Dear Mrs Gouchy

I'm afraid I may be spelling your name wrongly as I heard it very briefly on television. Nor do I know your address, except that you may still live in Nelson, BC. I hope this reaches you.

I watched, on TV, the unveiling of the memorial to your brother Hammie last Friday. It brought memories of a happy evening I spent with him at a dance in England in 1942 – fifty years ago! There is a memorial to all Canadians lost at sea during the two wars in Pleasant Park, Halifax Nova Scotia. When we take our little grandsons there for a walk I look at his name and feel proud to have known him even for such a short time. I can well imagine how you and all your family must feel, and how much you must still miss him.

He was a marvelous boy. I enclose a copy of a much treasured letter I got from him as it may be of interest to you. We never did manage to meet again. I came to Canada as a 'War Bride' in 1945 and my husband and I live in Oakville. If you are ever this way, please phone if you have time.

Sincerely
Sheelagh Brunelle

[Editor’s note: Personal contact information has not been transcribed.]