Letter to Mr Monks from the Air Ministry

Letter to Mr Monks from the Air Ministry

Informs him that a further report from the Red Cross confirms that his son lost his life on 13 June 1944 and was buried in the municipal cemetery Epe. The exact location of Epe was still under investigation. In order to close his son's estate he was presumed dead for official purposes.

1944-10-14

Two page typewritten letter

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EAirMinMonksA441014

[Air Ministry crest]
AIR MINISTRY
(Casualty Branch),
73-77, OXFORD STREET,
W.1.
TELEPHONE: GERRARD 9234
Any communications on the subject of this letter should be addressed to:-
THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE,
and the following number quoted:- P.418570/3/44/P.4.B.4.
14 October, 1944.
Sir,
I am directed to refer to a letter from this Department dated 25th August, 1944, and to inform you with regret that a further report has now been received from the International Red Cross Committee, which confirms that your son, Flying Officer Maurice Arnold Monks, Royal Air Force, lost his life on the 13th June, 1944, and states that he was buried two days later in Grave No. 612, in the Municipal Cemetery at Epe.
As there are two places of this name, one in Germany and one in Holland, an enquiry as to the exact location of the one referred to is being made to the International Red Cross Committee, Geneva.
It will be appreciated that it may be some considerable time before an answer is received but I am to assure you that you will be informed when further details are to hand.
In order that the Department may be in a position to close your son’s service estate, action to presume his death for official purposes will now proceed, and you will be informed when this is completed.
/In
A. Monks, Esq.,
27, Dixon Street,
Lincoln.
[crest of National Scheme for Disabled Men]
[page break]
In conveying this information, I am to express the deep sympathy of the Department with you in your bereavement.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
[signature]
for Director of Personal Services.