Letter from Geoff's mother to his sister Barbara

Letter from Geoff's mother to his sister Barbara

Writes that she had received a telegram that her son Sergeant Geoffrey Beckett was missing as a result of air operations on 17 December 1942. Praying he will safe. Continues with description of her activities and actions. Notes that she had written to his fiancé's mother. Goes on with other news and gossip.

1942-12-19

Three page handwritten letter

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SBeckettG622136v10074-0001, SBeckettG622136v10074-0002, SBeckettG622136v10074-0003

[inserted] 19 Dec 1942
Letter from Geoff’s mother to his sister. A/c is missing 17.12.42 [/inserted]

48.
Sheffield. 8.

Dec: 19th 1942

My dear Barbara.

You will be surprised to have another note from me so soon – but this is a bit of bad news & I am sorry to have to tell it just at Christmas time – specially.

I went to “Gone with the Wind” 1 p.m. Friday & home by 5.30 to find a wire:-
“18th December. Deeply regret to inform you that your Son 622136 Sgt Geoffrey Beckett is missing as a result of Air Operations on the night of 17 Dec: 1942. letter follows any further information will be immediately communicated to you.
O.C. D. Unit. Waddington.”

That is all I know – as no letter has come yet. I will let you all know when I hear anything definite –

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[inserted] 19 Dec 1942
Letter from Geoff’s mother to his sister. A/c is missing 17.12.42 [/inserted]

Meanwhile I know you will hope – as I do - & pray that the lad is safe somewhere & will come back in good time – safely – I pray. You may join with me & the others in specially thinking of him at 9 p.m. each evening. Strange – I did not want to go to bed Thursday night & sat writing till 1/4 to 3. Friday a.m. then I slept. & Geoff was the only one I had not written to – as I had not a parcel ready for him. His last letter told me how he had enjoyed Taits etc you had sent – you will be glad – I know. Meanwhile we hope & pray all is well! I have written to Mrs Salisbury – as Hazel was to join up Dec: 18 & may not be at home now – poor child - & they may not have heard yet. I do hope you have Jarvis home for part of this holiday time - & that all your plans go

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[inserted] 19 Dec 1942
Letter from Geoff’s mother to his sister. A/c is missing 17.12.42 [/inserted]

well – Your letter to J & A came to me yesterday – bless you & I am glad you had a day in town with Mrs Stive How busy you are child – I suppose it is the best to be so – Jean says – so long as she can keep working she has less time to think – poor child. I do wonder what is to happen about her goods & herself. Andrew & Joan move into their house on Tuesday. Pickfords go & pack up on Monday – so for Christmas they should be “just in” bless them! I am trying to write to all my other 6 children now for I feel it takes so long just now to get news around – even bad news – but I shall go to Buxton Wed - as arranged – as far as I know. My love to you & yours - & be cheerful & hopeful that all is better than it might have been. My love to you – bless you –

Lovingly yours – Mom.