Letter to Mrs Clark from Flying Officer R Hay

Letter to Mrs Clark from Flying Officer R Hay

Writes informing her that Dermot Hegarty was killed recently. Correspondent was his mid-upper gunner and describes aircraft's engines cut after take off. While Hay bailed out, Dermot, the rear gunner and wireless operator did not get out. He, the navigator and flight engineer who got out owed their lives to Dermot Hegarty who stuck to his post and had been previously recommended for a Distinguished Flying Cross.

1942-07-11

One page handwritten letter

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EHaySRClark[Mrs]440718

F/O S. R. Hay
Officers Mess
Coningsby
Lincs
18th July 1944
Dear Mrs Clark,
I am sorry to have to write this card to let you know that Derm Hegarty was killed on Sunday night at 11.50 P.M. I was mid - upper gunner with him and soon after take off at 1,000 ft the engines cut and we had to bale out but Derm, Wireless op and rear gunner did not get out. Myself, Engineer and Nav-igator were the only ones to succeed but we owe our lives to Derm for the way he stuck to his post to the end a hero. He has been put forward for the D.F.C. for his last accident but he did not know.
Your [sic] faithfully
[Signature] SR Hay F/Os.