Provides explanation for mistaken report that Donald had died. Source of mistake was a signal quoting Red Cross cable that he had died. When this was queried, Red Cross confirmed with German authorities that he was alive and well. Details subsequent…
Reports that son Pilot Officer D A Baker was missing as a result of air operations. Mentions he was captain of aircraft detailed to attack shipping but cause of failure to return was not known. Provides hopeful information for future, mentions that…
Expresses regret that his son Pilot Officer Donald Arthur Baker was missing as a result of air operations on 5 November 1941. Only information available was that he was captain of a Hampden which set out to bomb the enemy and failed to return. Does…
Letter from Air Ministry confirming information had been received from the International Red Cross that his son, Pilot Officer Donald Baker was a prisoner of war. They do not have information on which camp he was in.
Confirms that message was sent to her quoting a message from her son that said from senior British officer, Stalag Luft 3 on behalf of her son that there was no truth in any information of his death.
Writes he is worried about her due to reports of air raids on London. Describes his current activities including cross country run, PT, drill and lectures. Mentions Royal Artillery battery in town. Comments on parcel from mother that arrived in a…
First letter as prisoner of war. Says he is well and that he would number letters. Suggests she should make sure from Red Cross what she might send him. Asks for photographs with letters. Requests: towels, soap and toothbrushes in first parcel and…
Second letter. Says not much to write about but does a lot of reading and a bit of cooking. Mentions concerts and playing rugby. Writes of concerts, possibly beer and extra Red Cross parcels for Christmas. Mentions friend in camp and that he is…
Writes that he has not yet received any letters from her. Mentions he is addressing letter differently (through British Embassy Ankara, Turkey) to see which is quickest. Mentions activities over festive season including party with sing song on new…
Writes he has not received mail from her but has had letters from relatives and friends in England. Says life there is much the same but have made an open air ice skating rink. Asks after friend.
Received her first letter recently and reiterates that he is fit and quite happy. Writes of other mail received. Mentions that life was much the same but that snow was thawing. Says he received photographs from his brother. Writes that there are a…
Writes that he is in a new camp and life is tolerable there. Hopes to see an acquaintance there soon as he believes all air force prisoners will come there sooner or later. Says no letter from them yet but expecting soon. In a room with three South…
Reports arrival of eleven letters and thanks her. Latest was dated 8 March and came via Cairo. Not sure which direction was fastest. Discusses his mail to her and reassures her he is well. Ask her to contact anyone in Portuguese East Africa or any…
Writes that he had now received fifteen letters and that via Cairo was quickest. Although she still seem anxious hopes his recent letters have reassured her. Catches up on home news and talks about weather. Mentions he received a clothing parcel from…
Reports that he had now received most of her letters to 19 April as well as other mail which was taking between two to four and a half months to arrive. Writes about a recent variety show and a cricket match in which he played. Mentions also playing…
Reports arrival of latest letters and notes that via London they take four to five months. Mentions letters from others and catches up with news. Says do not worry about war and he is looking forward to seeing them again. Mentions playing cricket and…
Lets her know he fit and he had received no further mail. Mail from England was regular with some taking as little as ten days. Says there is not much in his letters as not much to write about. Mentions concert and that famous fighter pilots Tuck and…