Letter to Donald Baker's father from station commander at RAF North Luffenham

Letter to Donald Baker's father from station commander at RAF North Luffenham

Reports that son Pilot Officer D A Baker was missing as a result of air operations. Mentions he was captain of aircraft detailed to attack shipping but cause of failure to return was not known. Provides hopeful information for future, mentions that he was popular and giving information concerning personal effects.

1941-11-10

Two page typewritten letter and envelope

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SBakerDA19210428v20049

183
[underlined] On His Majesty’s Service [/underlined] [Official Paid stamp]
[postmark]
Mr. C. Baker,
“Charlton,”,
Inyazura,
S. Rhodesia
[underlined] AIR MINISTRY [/underlined]
If undelivered return to:-
The Officer Commanding,
ROYAL AIR FORCE,
R.A.F. STATION North Luffenham
R.A.F. Form 1477
[page break]
[postmark]
[page break]
Royal Air Force Station,
NORTH LUFFENHAM,
Rutland.
19th November 1941.
Reference:-
[underlined] NL/S.936/183/P.1. [/underlined]
Dear Mr. Baker.
It is with the deepest regret that I have to inform you that your son, Pilot Officer D.A. Baker, is missing as the result of air operations. He was captain of an aircraft detailed to carry out a raid on enemy shipping. The cause of the failure of the aircraft to return is unknown, neither can we throw any light on the circumstances as yet.
As in all these cases there is every cause for hoping that they will have got away with it. As soon as we receive any information we will immediately communicate with you. Unfortunately there is no set time for receiving information of losses. Sometimes it is a matter of days, sometimes months, before we hear. I would be very grateful if you will advise me should you hear direct from him. In the meantime we can only hope and pray for their safety.
Your son has rendered outstanding service as a Pilot and is very popular. We all miss him deeply and earnestly hope for his safety.
Personal belongings are being forwarded to the Committee of Adjustment who deal with these matters, and should you wish to write to them the address is as follows:-
Central Depository, Committee of Adjustment,
Royal Air Force,
COLNBROOK, Slough, Bucks.
It is with great regret that I have to communicate these sad tidings to you, but I can assure you that your son’s name will remain/
[page break]
will remain in the memory of all who knew him as a gallant and efficient officer who will leave a gap difficult to fill as he was both a good officer and a fine man.
Yours sincerely
[signature]
Group Captain, Commanding,
R.A.F. Station, North Luffenham.
Mr C. Baker,
“Charlton”
Inyazura,
S. Rhodesia.