Letter to Phillip Mathew's Father from Air Ministry

Letter to Phillip Mathew's Father from Air Ministry

The letter advises that one member of Phillip's crew was captured and five members were killed. The fate of Phillip has not been determined.

1945-04-06

Two typewritten sheets and envelope

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EAirMinMatthewsB450406-0001, EAirMinMatthewsB450406-0002, EAirMinMatthewsB450406-0003

[postmark 6 APR 1945]

B. Matthews, Esq.,
87, Woodland Road,
Northfield,
Birmingham.

[page break]

[Air Ministry crest]

AIR MINISTRY
(Casualty Branch)
73-77 OXFORD STREET
W.1

TELEPHONE: GERRARD 9234

Any communications on the subject of this letter should be addressed to:-
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE
and the following number quoted:-
Your Ref. P.423553/5/44/P.4.Cas/B.3.B

6 April, 1945

Sir,

I am directed to refer to the letter dated 12th January, 1945, regarding your son, No. 1204048 Flight Sergeant Phillip Marcus Matthews, Royal Air Force, in which it was stated that Sergeant W.F. Ravenhill had been captured, and to inform you, with regret, that although no definite news of your son has come to hand, a report regarding certain of the occupants of the aircraft has been received from the International Red Cross Committee.

This report, quoting German information, states that Flying Officer W.S. Burns and four members, whose identity the German Authorities are unable to establish at present all belonging to the crew of this Lancaster aircraft, lost their lives on 23rd September, 1944.

As there were eight members in the crew, it will be appreciated that it is not possible on the above information to state precisely who are the unidentified members but it is considered that you would wish to be notified of this report.

/I

B. Matthews, Esq.,
87, Woodland Road,
Northfield,
Birmingham.

[National Scheme for Disabled Men crest]

[page break]

I am to add an expression of the Department’s sympathy with you in your anxiety and to assure you that you will be informed of any further news received.

I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,

[signature]
for Director of Personal Services.