Letter to Glenn Brook's Family from Mary Brooks

Letter to Glenn Brook's Family from Mary Brooks

Mary expresses sadness that Glenn is missing. She discusses family news.

1944-10

One handwritten sheet

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E[Author]MBrooks[Fam]441016

16 Oct 1944 estimated: from Mary.
Glenn went missing on Saturday, 7 Oct; this letter was written on a Monday, so I’m assuming it would have been just over a week for news to get back home.
It made us all feel so very very badly to hear of Glenn. It's hard to believe it! If only we didn't have to! Of course we think of you mostly at this time - and Dora! I do wish we could do something to help you. We can only hope and pray for Glenn. We think such a lot of Glenn.
We were to see Jesse’s today and talked of Glenn a great deal. They had a recent letter from Glenn and we were awfully pleased to hear about his commission. He's really done very well to get that. I don't think very many in his line are that good.
We think of Glenn so often. Every time we ever heard of a raid on Germany, my heart sank. I've been so afraid for Glenn. Last Saturday night the word came through about that big raid with 50 some planes missing and I'm wondering if that was the one1.
I do so hope everything will be alright. Since hearing the wonderful news about my cousin Ross, I do have hopes2.
Mum and Dad3 are here for the weekend. They enjoyed the trip to Caledonia and seeing Jesse’s.
Try not to worry. I'm afraid this will be hard for Sam with his trouble. I was sorry to hear about that. Do take care of yourselves. According to Ross that was one of his chief worries - how everyone at home was and not hearing from them so you must have a good report for him when he's freed!
Love to all, Mary
1 It likely was the Dortmund Raid, the start of the 2nd Battle of the Ruhr. The Allies sent almost 1000 planes that night, one of the largest concentrations of the war. Although Mary reports 50 planes lost, only 5 of the 298 planes in 6 Group were lost that night. One was Glenn’s Halifax.
2 Mary’s cousin, Ross Doubt, was shot down but successfully escaped through the underground back to England.
3 Ben and Ethyl Smallman of Port Perry, Ontario.