Telephone No. GERRARD 9234

Extn 3800.

AIR MINISTRY,

(Casualty Branch)

73-77 OXFORD STREET

LONDON,

W.1.

26^th May 1944.

P.415526/4/44/P.4.Cas.B.4.

Madam,

            I am directed to refer to the letter dated 6^th April 1944 from the Department notifying you that your husband, Sergeant Ernest Wilkinson, Royal Air Force, was reported missing as a result of air operations on the night of 1^st April 1944, and to inform you, with regret, that although no definite news of your husband has come to hand, a report regarding certain of the occupants of the aircraft has been received from the International Red Cross Committee.

This report, quoting German information, states that Flying Officer R.J. Carson was captured on the 1^st April 1944 and two unknown members of the crew of this Halifax aircraft lost their lives on that date.

As there were seven members in the crew, it will be appreciated that it is not possible on the above information to identify the bodies referred to as “unknown” but as your husband is still unaccounted for it is considered that you would wish to be notified of this report.

I am to add an expression of the Department’s sympathy with you in your anxiety, and to assure you that you will be informed of any further news received.

I am, Madam,

Your obedient Servant,

Signature unreadable

for Director of Personal Services.

Mrs. E. Wilkinson,

1068 Bury Road,

Breightmet,

Bolton,

Lancashire.