Letter to Mrs R Harris

Letter to Mrs R Harris

From a wing commander at RAF Witchford informing her that her son Flight Lieutenant Keith Harris was reported missing from operation on 28/29 January. Included comments on Keith Harris qualities and the handling of his personal effects. Includes a damaged page with some crew and next of kin.

1944-02-08

Two page handwritten letter and one typewritten page

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E[Author]RHHarrisR440208

Royal Air Force Station,
Witchford Nr Ely,
Cambs.

8 February 1944.

Dear Mrs Harris,

It is with deep regret that I have to confirm the news that your son 133607 Flight Lieutenant Kieth [sic] Harris – Pilot, has been reported missing.

There is, unfortunately, very little definite information that I can give you at the moment. He went out on an operational flight on the night of 28/29 January to attack an important target in Germany, and up to the time of writing nothing further has been heard of his aircraft.

Your son had served with this unit for a considerable time and had proved himself a very capable captain of Aircraft, he was also a very popular member of the squadron, maintaining the high traditions of the Royal Air Force. His loss will be felt by us all.

His personal effects are being dealt

[page break]

with by the Central Committee of Adjustment who will be communicating with you very soon. For your information I am enclosing the names and addresses of the next of kin of the members of the crew.

In the event of any information coming to hand regarding your [missing word] rest assured it will be communicated to you immediately, in the interim please accept on behalf of myself and the members of the squadron the most sincere sympathy in your period of anxiety

Yours Very Sincerely
[signature]
Wing Commander.

Mrs. R. Harris,
28, Daventry Road,
Knowle Park,
Bristol. 4.

[page break]

[underlined] FLYING BATTLE CASUALTY TO LANCASTER II AIRCRAFT DS.833 DURING OPERATIONS NIGHT OF 28th/29th JANUARY. 1944. [/underlined]

133607 Flight Lieutenant Keith HARRIS – Captain of Aircraft.
Single. Next of Kin. Mother. Mrs. R. Harris, 28, Daventry Road, Knowle Park, Bristol, 4.

J.21184 Flying Officer J. Horn – Navigator.
Single. Next of Kin. Father. Mr. J. Horn, 19365, Cameron Street, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.

1097462 Flight Sergeant Albert James Aidan CHAPPEL – WOP/Air.
Single. Next of Kin. Mother. Mrs. A. Sanderson, 72, [missing word] Street [missing words]

J 21023 Flying Officer [missing words]
Single. Next of Kin [missing words]

R.124802 Flight Sergeant [missing words]
Single. Next of Kin [missing words]

1580558 Sergeant Thomas [missing words]
Single. Next of Kin [missing words]

[missing number] 77608 Sergeant Derek [missing words]
Single. Next of Kin [missing words]

[underlined] [missing number] 15 Squadron, R.A.F [/underlined]