Letter to Geoff Packham's Father

Letter to Geoff Packham's Father

The letter addressed to Geoff's father is from the Air MInistry (Casualty Branch). It advises him that his son has been captured and a copied letter was read out by Lord Haw Haw on the radio. He asks for lots of letters and reports he is well.

1944-09-23

One typewritten sheet

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EClarkGFPackhamC440923

[Air Ministry Crest]

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

Your Ref. P. 418816/1/P.4./P.W./B.5.

23 September, 1944.

Sir,

I am directed to refer to the telegram sent from this Department on 21st September, 1944, and to inform you that the following letter written by your son, Flying Officer Geoffrey Howard Packham, was read over the German wireless on 20th September, 1944:- [inserted] (LORD HAW HAW!) [/inserted]

"Dear Mum, Dad and Pete,

I have now arrived in a permanent camp, and you can write to me here. You can write as often as you wish and, believe me, those letters will be welcome. You must consult the local Red Cross branch for all details. I can write letters - three letters - and four postcards each month to you, so would you spread the gen when they do arrive, and I can send them all to you. I am not wounded at all, and due to the magnificent Red Cross our stay here will not be so bad. There are just two things I should like to say: first, has my kit arrived at home ? You can use any of it that you wish, Pete. [inserted] TRIUMPH MOTOR BIKE [/inserted]
Was (? "The Times") sent along too? I'll be needing that soon - I hope. Anyway, that is all for now. Space is short, so will you give my regards and west [sic] wishes to all my friends for me? One thing more - please do not send any parcels, but letters in their millions are the staff of life to me for the present. So cheerio, and bags of love.
Ever yours, GEOFF "

I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
[signature]
for Director of Personal Services.

C. Packham, Esq.,
25, Stone Grove,
Sheffield, 10.
[crest]