Letter to James Foulsham's Father

Letter to James Foulsham's Father

The letter advises James' father that James has lost his life.

1945-02-17

One typewritten sheet

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SKnoxRW[Ser#-DoB]v30020

[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.420460/6/44/P.4.Cas.B.3.B.

17 February, 1945.

[inserted] Reply 21/2/45 [/inserted]

Sir,

I am directed to refer to this Department’s telegram dated the 21st July, 1944, notifying you that your son, Squadron Leader James Foulsham, A.F.C., (37347) Royal Air Force, was reported missing as the result of air operations on the 20th July, 1944, and to inform you, with deep regret, that a telegram has been received from the International Red Cross Committee, quoting German information, stating that Squadron Leader J.B. Weightman, D.F.C., Flight Sergeant E.W.R. Pratt, Sergeant J. Gresty, Flight Sergeant G.R. MacArthur and four members whose identity the German Authorities are unable to establish at present, all belonging to the crew of this Lancaster aircraft, lost their lives on the 20th July, 1944.

As the crew consisted of eight members it would unhappily appear that your son is one of the four unidentified members referred to as having lost their lives. I am to state, however, that he will remain recorded as missing until confirmation of the above telegram and burial particulars are received, or until, in the absence of such confirmation, it becomes necessary owing to lapse of time to presume, for official purposes, that death has occurred.

In conveying the above information I am to extend to you the Department’s very deep sympathy in your grave anxiety.

I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
[signature]
for Director of Personal Services.

[crest]

J.P. Foulsham, Esq.,
2 Poulters Lane,
Worthing, Sussex.

Letter from Air Ministry to Mr J.P. Foulsham (father) dated 17 February 1945