Letter to Mrs Doreen Ellis from RAF Central Depository

Letter to Mrs Doreen Ellis from RAF Central Depository

The letter advises Doreen of her husband's personal effects.

1943-10-16

Two typewritten sheets

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SEllisRHG918424v10018

Central Depository,
Royal Air Force,
Colnbrook,
Slough,
Bucks.

Telephone Nos:-
COLNBROOK 231 - 232 -233.

In reply please quote reference:-
CD/918424/F37070

[underlined] 16th October 1943. [/underlined]

[underlined] 918424 Sgt Ellis R.H.G [/underlined]

Dear Madam,

The personal effects of your husband as listed on the attached inventory have now reached this office from the Unit and will be held in safe custody pending the receipt of further evidence which will enable a conclusive classification of the casualty to be made.

In the case of casualties reported as “missing” unless definite evidence comes to light in the meantime, authority to release the effects is not normally received from the Air Ministry until at least six months from the date of the casualty, since official action to presume death is rarely taken before the expiration of this period.

In the case of casualties ultimately reported “Prisoner of War”, the Air Ministry will as a general rule, only authorise the release of effects on the written request of the officer or airman concerned. In these circumstances, in order to expedite release, any original letter received from a Prisoner of War in this connection should be forwarded to this office for perusal and early return.

In the meantime, may I be permitted to express my sympathy with you in this period of anxiety.

Yours faithfully,

[signature]

Squadron Leader, Commanding,
[underlined] R.A.F. Central Depository. [/underlined]

Mrs D.C.M. Ellis
253 Balham High Road
London
S.W17

[page break]

[underlined] F 37070 Personal Effects of No. 918424 Sgt. Ellis R.H.G. [/underlined]

1 Cardboard carton containing:-
1 pair blue woollen gloves
3 pairs socks
19 handkerchiefs
1 pair shorts
2 towels
1 pair black silk step-ins
1 bundle of letters & photos
1 book “Five Years Dead”
1 Packet Music Manuscript
1 cloth bag
2 pairs black shoes
2 pairs pyjamas
1 diary 1941