Letter to Mrs Layne from RAF central depository

Letter to Mrs Layne from RAF central depository

Informs her that her husband's personal effects had arrived with them. Explains that with casualties reported missing, authority to release effects was not normally granted until at least six months from date of casualty. Goes on to explain situation for prisoners of war. Includes inventory of effects.

1943-11-11

Two page typewritten letter

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EOCRAFCentDepLayneAJ431111

Telephone Nos:-
COLNBROOK 231 – 232 – 233.

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

In reply please quote reference: -
CD/ 963102/F38559. 11th Nov. 1943.
963102. W/O. Layne. W.E.

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 [missing word] in this period of anxiety.

Yours faithfully,

[signature]

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

Mrs. T. Layne,
97. Harlaxton Road,
Grantham.

[page break]

F38559. PERSONAL EFFECTS OF NO. 963102 W/O LAYNE [inserted] W.H. [/inserted]

1 Brown leather suit case contg:-

2 Shirts. 1 Suit Pyjamas. 1 Knitted scarf. 1 pr. of braces. 4 1/2 pairs socks. 2 Cycle lamps. 1 Bible.
1 Clothes brush. 4 Hanks. 1 Ash tray. 3 tooth brushes. 1 Model plane in 6 parts. 1 Cigarette lighter. 1 Flash Light. 1 part of Safety Razor. 1 Crown Opener. 1 Ribbon. 2 Coathangers. 1 Pipe in case. 1 Key. 1 song of Hiawatha Book. 1 Wooden puzzle. 1 Wallet of papers, Photos & Pilot Brevet. 2 Pairs of Shoes.

1 Ventilator. 9 collars. 2 Pairs pants. 1 Electric Iron. 1 large photo in frame. 3 prs. [deleted word] knitted gloves. 1 [deleted word] Shoe pad. 1 black tie. 1 Hair Brush. 1 Sheath knife.
1 A.G. Brevet. 4 Combs. 1 blacking brush. 1 Torch. 1 tobacco pouch. 1 propelling pencil (broken)
1 key chain. 1 Ink bottle case. 1 pair of cycle clips. 1 fishing line float. 1 Book. 1 Snapshot book. 1 note case with photo. 1 Bathing suit.

National Savings Certificates for 30 Units, Serial Nos. BB7101 extracted [inserted] by Unit [/inserted] forwarded to Air Ministry, Dept. Accts., 13 Worcester.