Letter to Phillip Mathew's Father from Air Ministry

Letter to Phillip Mathew's Father from Air Ministry

The letter gives brief details about the crash of his son's aircraft. They have now presumed he is dead and express sorrow.

1945-07-02

Two typewritten sheets and envelope

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EShepherdWMatthewsB450702-0001, EShepherdWMatthewsB450702-0002, EShepherdWMatthewsB450702-0003

[postmark 31 July 1945] [Official Paid stamp]

B. Matthews Esq.,
87 Woodland Road,
Northfield,
BIRMINGHAM.

[page break]

[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.423553/5/P.4.B.6.

2nd July, 1945.

Sir,

With reference to the letter from this Department of 6th April, 1945, I am directed to inform you that Sergeant A. R. Fellows, the rear gunner of the crew, who was liberated and repatriated before his statement as a prisoner-of-war was received, on his re-interrogation has stated that the aircraft was attacked by enemy fighters and crashed at Anterbroek, Holland.

He received an order to bale out, and left the plane from his turret. He saw it crash. Dutch partisans could tell him nothing of the fate of the rest of the crew, beyond giving him a description of one who was captured in Delden which corresponded with Sergeant W. F. Ravenhill.

The Air Ministry is deeply sorry that in view of his report and of the great length of time that has passed without news, it is feared that there can be little doubt that your son, Flight Sergeant P. M. Matthews, has lost his life, and it now becomes necessary, for official purposes, to presume his death.

It is assumed that had you, yourself, received any news you would have notified this Department.

In the absence of any further communication from you, therefore, the necessary formalities will now proceed, and you will be advised when they are completed.

B. Matthews, Esq.,
87, Woodland Road,
Northfield,
Birmingham.

I/

[National Scheme for Disabled Men crest]

[page break]

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I am to add an expression of the sincere sympathy of the Department in your sorrow.

I am,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
W. Shepherd.

for Director of Personal Services.