Letter to Mrs Harris from G West (Chaplain)

Letter to Mrs Harris from G West (Chaplain)

Writes expressing profound sorrow that her son was reported missing on operations. mentions a little about the operation and that is was not impossible that the crew escaped disaster. Says that any information they received would be passed to her. Talks of loyalty and dedication to duty and the help religion can offer.

1944-02-07

Two page handwritten letter

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EWestGHarrisR440207

Chaplains Office;
R.A.F. Waterbeach
Cambs.
[underlined] February 7th 44 [/underlined]

Dear Mrs Harris,
I am writing to express my profound sorrow that your son, F/Lt. LK. Harris is missing after operations on the night of Jan 28/29th.
I understand the uncertainty and anxiety which you must feel. I know, to those who were waiting up for the crew that night it was a great grief, when your son’s plane failed to return.
The trip in which his crew was engaged was a long one over Germany, and it is not unreasonable to hope that they may have escaped disaster by baling out, and become prisoners of war. But of course there is no certainty in this, and it is not until official information comes through via the Red Cross, that your terrible suspense will be ended. You may rest assured that whatever this news, it will be sent to you at once.
I know that whatever has happened to your son, he would not have you overcome with sorrow, and you can be
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sure that his chief thought was less for his own safety than for loyalty and devotion to duty. Like so many other brave men, he has willingly disregarded his life for a great cause, and we may be proud and thankful for his example.
During these times, I feel, one can but commit ourselves and anxieties into the hands of God, who cares and suffers in the grief of his people.
I believe we should hold on to the truth that where our loved one is, there God is and where God is he is. I do pray that you may find in God your comfort and be made strong to bear your heavy load of suffering.

With my renewed sympathy,
Yours very sincerely,
[underlined] George West [/underlined]
(Chaplain)