Letter from G Letient to Mrs Hobbs

Letter from G Letient to Mrs Hobbs

Contains more details of the crash in which her husband was killed. He mentions that Sergeant Hobbs was still sitting in seat. In addition, he made a copy of the pilots tag and writes that the crew are buried in a small church nearby. He writes that he is going to send her the wallet containing photographs that belonged to her husband. Items belonging to other crew would be returned through the Air Ministry. He concluded by stating they would enjoy a visit if Mrs Hobbs came to Blérancourt.

1945-02-08

Two page handwritten letter

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ELetieritGHobbsKM450208-01

Monsieur G. Letient
Rue Bermond Patier
Blérancourt – Aisne.
France.
Blérancourt: February 8th 45-
Dear Madam,
I was glad to receive an answer to my letter and I will try to answer your questions as best as I can.
I am sorry to say all the seven of the crew if the ill fated Lancaster lost their lives March 16th about one o’clock in the morning.
The plane must have been but a few moments before falling to the ground. It was all so sudden that the men didn’t have time to suffer.
Sgt F. Hobbs was still sitting at his post at the front of the plane.
Regarding the pilot Kenneth Rodbourne I have myself made a copy of the tag which was found on his body in his trouser pocket
RODBOURNE 16.9.006
Blood R.A.F.
[Page break]
I think it escaped the german authorities as he did not wear it around his neck.
Unfortunately I do not have any paper belonging to him
The seven of them are buried in a small cemetery next to a church at BOURGUIGNON-SOUS-COUCY about 1 mile from Blérancourt
I am going to send you the wallet belonging to your husband by registered mail [underlined] if that is possible [/underlined]. The photographs you refer to are all there. I can feel just what they mean to you.
As for your husband’s colleagues their families will receive whate’er I detain through [missing word] air Ministry of which you gave me the address.
My wife want me to tell you that eventually you come to Blérancourt she would be very glad to have you come to see us.
She feels also very deeply about your sorrow.,
Very sincerely yours
[signature]
[underlined] PS [/underlined] Upon finding it impossible to send papers through registered mail. I am sending same as letter.