Transcript
of a letter addressed to Geale's mother from S/L K.J. Fiset, Commanding
Officer of 439 Squadron at that time .
439 RCAF Squadron
RCAF Overseas
5th October, 1944
Dear
Mrs. Hewson,
I
sincerely regret not having written to you before this time, but during
this purposeful delay I had expected to receive further information as
regards your son "Hughie". I trust that you have received
particulars about his accident from the Royal Canadian authorities
sometime ago.
Since
no further particulars have been received, I can only write and give you
such information as is permitted by the Royal Canadian Air Force.
The
Squadron was detailed to carry out a dive bombing operation on a number
of small ships in the Dutch Island area. The Squadron was attacked by
flak and several aircraft were hit. Your son realized that his aircraft
had been damaged and made preparations to abandon it. In this he was
very successful but unfortunately he landed in enemy territory and up
until now we have received no further news. I sincerely hope that good
news will e forthcoming in the very near future.
"Hughie"
as he was nick-named by the other pilots, was one of the
"strong" men of the Squadron. He was an excellent pilot, a
congenial companion and an invaluable member of our unit. I hope that we
receive some news of him soon, and if I receive any, I will only be too
pleased to communicate with you. I am also writing to your daughter,
F/S/O E.B. Hewson, on this affair. I do hope that what little
information I have given you, will relieve some of the pent-up anxiety
that you must feel. Before concluding, I wish to express the deepest
sympathies of every member of the Squadron and myself.
The
Royal Canadian Air Force will communicate any additional news which may
be received. If there is anything that I can do or if you have any
questions that you would like answered, please do not hesitate to let me
know.
Yours
very sincerely.
K.J.
Fiset , DFC
Squadron
leader
Commanding
Officer
439
RCAF Squadron Overseas
All
Photos
courtesy of G.W. Hewson Copyright © 2005. All rights reserved.
Tiger
Squadron
