Letter to Mrs McNamara from George Read

Letter to Mrs McNamara from George Read

Apologises for delay in writing as he though earlier would upset her. Now considered that was wrong and that she would like to know what happened. Gives condolence on loss of 'Mac'. Goes on to describe events on operation to Nienburg on 17 December 1942. States that they were hit by flak in engine. Turned back but was hit again over the 'Zuyder Zee' and set on fire with some crew killed. He baled out but did not see Mac leave and was too low anyway. He never saw any other of his crew again.

1946-01-27

Five page handwritten letter

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EReadGMcNamaraW460127

73 Lyndon Ave
Sidcup Kent
27/1/1946

Dear Mrs McNamara

Please forgive me for not writing to you before this, but I knew how badly the loss of “Mac” had been to you, & I felt that if I wrote to you I should only fetch it all back again for you. But I can see now that it was wrong of me to take that attitude, as you would most certainly wish to know what happened on that particular night. But first Mrs McNamara will you accept my most deepest sympathy for your great

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loss, “Mac” was one of the finest fellows I have ever had the pleasure to meet, & I shall never forget him. This is what happened on Dec 17th 1942.

We left base on Dec 17th for a raid on Neinburg, Germany.

We crossed the North sea flying fairly low without meeting any trouble, but directly we crossed the Dutch coast we met plenty of light flax [sic] & machine guns, we kept going but shortly after were hit in one of our engines, as another of our engines wasnt too good, “Mac” decided to turn back.

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We turned for home & reached the coast without further incident, but as we were crossing the Zuyder Zee we received a direct hit which set us afire & out of control, some of the crew were killed instantly. Mac gave orders to abandon aircraft & we both made our way to the escape hatch, As I went out of the hatch, “Mac” was just behind me, I never saw him leave the aircraft & if he did I don’t think his parachute would have opened in time, as it was too near the ground. My parachute only just

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opened in time, & even then I was badly knocked about. I never saw any one of the crew again, but was later told by the Germans that five bodies had been recovered. Im afraid that’s all I can tell you about that tragic night, in which you lost so fine a Husband & I lost six of the finest friends a man could ever hope to have. If there is anything else you wish to know, or anyway I can be of help to you, just let me know & and I will be only to [sic] pleased to be of any assistance to you. I

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will close now hoping you & the children are keeping in the best of health.

yours very sincerely

George Read.

P.S. My wife wishes to be remembered to you