Letter from Wing Commander 50 Squadron to Eric Coling's mother

Letter from Wing Commander 50 Squadron to Eric Coling's mother

A letter signed by Wing Commander R McFarlane DFC, of 50 Squadron, to Eric Coling's mother, confirming that her son is missing. It further confirms that the Red Cross Committee is working on behalf of the RAF to find Eric's whereabouts.

1943-09-30

One page typed letter

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EMcFarlaneRColingW430930

No.50 Squadron,
Royal Air Force,
Skellingthorpe,
Nr. Lincoln.

30th September, 1943.

Reference:-
50S/643/306/P.1.

Dear Mrs Coling,

I regret to have to confirm the information contained in my telegram, that your son, Sergeant Eric Frederick Coling, is missing from operations over enemy territory on the night of 29th September, 1943 and wish to express my deepest sympathy with you in your present anxiety as to his safety.

The aircraft in which your son was air bomber, was detailed to take part in a difficult operation, but no information can be obtained from other crews who took part as to what happened. The aircraft, however, would be flying at a considerable height, and there is a good chance that your son, and the rest of the crew, were able to bale out when finding themselves in difficulties and may now be safe, although prisoner-of-war.

The International Red Cross Committee who are working on our behalf, may be able to inform us as to his whereabouts, and what actually happened, but this usually takes from six to eight weeks. However, it is possible that you may receive some information concerning your son before official notification is received, and should this happen, I would be very pleased to hear of it because during the time your son was with the squadron, your son made many friends, and his pleasant personality will be greatly missed, for, together with the rest of his crew, he formed a team, whose services we cannot afford to lose.

Yours sincerely,
R McFarlane
[underlined] WING COMMANDER. [/underlined] (R.McFarlane.DFC)

Mrs. W. Coling,
3, Croft Avenue,
Altofts, Normanton, YORKS