June 28,1944
OTTAWA, Ontario
Mr. Reginald W. Chasmar,
50 Thorpe Ave.,
Tonbrldge, Kent,
England.
Dear Mr. Chasmar:
I wish to thank you for your letter written to my mother, giving further information to the effect that six of the crew of which our dear boys were members had been killed. My mother sent your letter on to me. The Canadian Air Ministry had the information that Flight Sergeant Leach, of Toronto, had been killed, but the information that six were killed, 5 of whom were unidentified was lacking. As this leaves 2 of the crew unaccounted for, there is, therefore, a slight hope that our sons may still be alive. With the lapse of time, however, that hope seems to grow more dim.
Air Ministry here are now taking steps, for official purposes, to presume the death of my dear boy. Should you receive any further information whatever, I would be deeply grateful if you would pass it on either to my mother or myself.
While my son Harry wrote quite often, he did not say a great deal about his actual experiences, and I am attempting to piece together his activities from the time he commenced his operational flights. He spoke very well of your son in a number of his letters. I have a few snapshots he sent home, one of which pictures Harry with your son mending their bicycles. I have also, another picture of the crew standing in front or their Halifax bomber.
About a week ago I gave a broadcast ever one of our Radio Stations. The broadcast was designed especially to bring comfort to those who have lost relatives in the present war. I made a passing mention of the loss of my son. The broadcast was so well received that I have been flooded with requests for copies. I have, therefore, decided to have it printed in a suitable form. I would like very much to dedicate it to our crew and would be pleased If you would be so kind as to forward me your son's full name and rank. I will be happy to send you several copies of the broadcast.
These are, indeed, trying times, and may God bless you and your family In these days of anxiety.
Yours very sincerely,
Ernest G. Hansell, Member of Parliament
