422/751/9/P.1.

No. 422 R.C.A.F. Squadron
R.C.A.F. Overseas.
28th May, 1944.

Mr. Joseph Senton,
Simpson, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Dear Mr. Senton: Before you receive this letter you will have had a cablegram informing you that your son, R107879 Warrant Officer Claude Senton is missing as the result of air operations on 24th May, 1944.

It is with the greatest regret that I write to you to convey the sympathy of my entire squadron and to give you what details I can of the circumstances.

Claude's aircraft took off on patrol at 8.00 a.m. on Wednesday 24th May, 1944. At 2.19 p.m. S.O.S. signals were received by another aircraft from this station which was on an adjacent patrol on the same operation. At 2.20 p.m. this aircraft sighted what appeared to be a large puff of smoke or splash about ten or fifteen miles away and altered course to investigate. Shortly after altering course the aircraft sighted a U-Boat in this area. As the aircraft closed to attack the U-Boat, some wreckage was noticed about four or five hundred yards from the U-Boat. After the attack the submarine submerged and the aircraft proceeded to investigate the wreckage previously seen. The wreckage was similar in colour to our aircraft and one piece appeared to be a bit of wing. The wreckage was in a large oil or fuel slick and there were no signs of any survivors. It is believed that the aircraft was so badly damaged in attacking the submarine that it crashed shortly after the attack.

Claude has been with the squadron some considerable time and was considered a very valuable Air Gunner, and held a place with us which was one of trust and loyal friendship. His knowledge of his work and his eagerness were an example to all the friends he leaves behind him, and his gallantry and courageousness will be remembered by us all.

Your son's affects have been gathered together and will be sent to the Central Depository. Royal Air Force, Colnbrook, Slough, Bucks., and from there they will eventually be forwarded on to you through the Administrator of estates, Ottawa.

May I express my deepest sympathy with you in you loss and include the regret of my entire unit, at this loss and include the regret of my entire unit of so fine a member of our numbers.

Yours sincerely,
(J.R. Frizzle) Wing Commander,
Officer Commanding,
No. 422 R.C.A.F. Squadron,
R.C.A.F. Overseas