Letter to Arnold Christian's Wife

Letter to Arnold Christian's Wife

The letter expresses regret that her husband was shot down and is missing.

1941-05-08

One double sided handwritten sheet

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SChristianAL29160v10053-0001, SChristianAL29160v10053-0002

OFFICERS’ MESS
R.A.F. STATION
SWANTON MORLEY
EAST DEREHAM
NORFOLK

8th May, ’41.

Dear Mrs. Christian,

It was with a very heavy heart indeed that I heard of your husband’s misfortune today. He is a very gallant officer with some excellent flights to his credit, and has proved himself to be a magnificent leader so that the news I received this evening from S/Ldr. Dunlevie did much to relieve my mind. (I expect you also will have heard from him by now?)

Although it is not possible at this time to say for certain what has happened to your husband and his crew, what is

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definite, however, is that they were seen to be still flying only about two miles from the coast, so that if the worst came to the worst they had still a sporting chance of reaching dry land in their dinghy.

Nevertheless, I am very sad at losing Christian from my station and I know the squadron will miss him badly. I can only hope that you will soon be hearing from him and that he has been uninjured.

I hope you will not hesitate to inform me if there is anything I can do for you.

Offering you all my sympathy in your ordeal.

Yours sincerely

[signature]

Grp. Capt.