Letter to Mrs Hobbs from G Letient

Letter to Mrs Hobbs from G Letient

Thanks Mrs Hobbs for her letter and tries to answer her questions. Crash was sudden, no time for crew to suffer. Sgt Hobbs was still at his post. He obtained copy of pilots tag 'Rodbourne, 16.9.006, Blood, RAF'. No papers belonging to Hobbs. Location of crew burial in Bourguignon-sous-Coucy. He will sent wallet with photographs contained in it. Any items for other crew would be sent to air ministry.

1945-02-08

One-page typewritten letter

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ELetieritGHobbsKM450208-02

Monsieur G. Letient ,
Rue Bernard Potier
Blerancourt, Aisne,
France
Blerancourt 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 of the ill fated Lancaster lost their lives March 16th about one o’clock in the morning.
The plane must have been hit 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 Rodbourn 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 Blerancourt.
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 whatever I detain through the air Ministry of which you gave me the address.
My wife wants me to tell you that eventually you come to Blerancourt she would be very glad to have you come to see us.
She feels also very deeply about your sorrow.
Very sincerely yours.
G. Letierit.
P.S. Upon finding it impossible to send papers through registered mail. I am sending same as letter.