Kenneth J Broderick personal effects letter

Kenneth J Broderick personal effects letter

A response to a letter sent by SJ Broderick from the RAF depository to Mrs TR Broderick including an inventory of Kenneth Broderick's personal effects. The letter outlines the process for returning them following an official status of presumed dead or if a casualty has been reported as a Prisoner of War. The letter is signed by Squadron Leader, Commanding Officer of the RAF Central Depository. On the reverse is an incomplete handwritten letter from Kenneth's wife Joan referencing the Air Ministry's preparations to declare Kenneth as deceased.

1942-12-18

Two page type written document with handwriting on reverse

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ECullenLGBroderickJR421218-0001, ECullenLGBroderickJR421218-0002, ECullenLGBroderickJR421218-0003

Telephone Nos. :--COLNBROOK 231-232.
Any communications on the subject of this letter should be addressed to :--
OFFICER IN CHARGE,
CENTRAL DEPOSITORY,
ROYAL AIRFORCE,
COLNBROOK,
SLOUGH, BUCKS.
And the following number quoted :-- CD/115109/B.5495.
CENTRAL DEPOSITORY,
ROYAL AIRFORCE,
COLNBROOK,
SLOUGH, BUCKS.
Date 18th December 1942.

Your Ref:--
[underlined] 115109 P/0. Broderick.K.J. [/underlined]

[Inserted] [underlined] ans’d 30.12.42 [/underlined] [/inserted]

Dear Madam,

With reference to Mr. S.J.Broderick’s letter to this office dated 4th November, 1942, I now enclose an inventory of your husband’s effects received at the Central Depository.
These effects will be held in safe custody pending receipt of further evidence which will enable a conclusive classification of the casualty to be made.
In the case of casualties reported as “missing” unless definitive evidence comes to light in the meantime, authority to release the effects is not normally received from the Air Ministry until at least six months from the date of the casualty, since official action to presume death is rarely taken before the expiration of this period.
In the case of casualties ultimately reported “Prisoner of War” the Air Ministry will as a general rule, only authorise the release of effects on the written request of the officer or airman concerned. In these circumstances, in order to expedite release, any original letter received from a Prisoner of War in this connection should be forwarded to this office for perusal and early return.
In the meantime, may I be permitted to express my sympathy with you in this period of anxiety.
Yours faithfully,
L.G. Cullen F/LT
Squadron Leader, Commanding,
[Underline] R.A.F Central Depository. [/Underline]

Mrs. T.R.Broderick.,
21, Croyden Road,
Beckenham, Kent.

[Page break]

Ref

Dear sir,

Thank you for your letter of Dec 18th & the inventory of my husbands effects.
On Christmas Eve I had a letter from the air ministry saying that they were preparing to presume my husbands death owing to the elapse of time.
I take it that his effects will be released in the New Year.
I should like them sent to me at the above address.

[Page break]

[Underlined] B.5495. Personal effects of 115109 P/O. Broderick. K.J [/underlined]
Scarf
greatcoat
cycle pump
4 ties
road map
pair gloves
1 pipe
1 tobacco pouch
pair socks
wallet containing letters, notecase, license, photos.
5 keys on ring
1 badminton racquet and press
bicycle retained at Unit.