Transcript
of a letter addressed to Geale's "wife" from J.C. Weststrate,
a Dutch civilian who witnessed Geale's bail-out from the ground in
occupied Holland. Mr. Westrate mistakenly assumed that Geale was married
and did his utmost to make sure that his "wife" received the
letter which Geale had quickly discarded seconds prior to his
capture by the Germans. What follows is the covering letter surrounding
this episode. The letter written on the 4 Nov 1944 was
forwarded by the RCAF Casualty Office, Ottawa on the 12 Dec 1944.
4
Nov 1944
Waarde.
(Zla)
Holland
This
day it is just 9 weeks ago that here on my birthplace a Canadian flyer
was taken prisoner of war by the Germans. It was such a pity that just
at that moment that the flyer came down with his plane there were German
soldiers. Hewson, that is the name of the Canadian fell with his
parachute in the sea. Some of civil persons were there, but they were
immediately sent away by the soldiers. But we saw that he dropped some
letters. When the soldiers were away we have taken the letters and here
there is one of them. I thought when the soldiers are away and here are
the English or canadian soldiers I will sent back this letter and then
his wife will know that her husband is not dead but prisoner of war. I
hope that I have done something good by sending back this letter. ????
I am a Dutchman, and I have learned the English language at school but
that was five years ago. Will you sent me a letter if I am allowed to
sent a letter to Hewson's wife. ????
the Can.
soldiers have told me when I sent you the letter she knows it quicker
that her husband is prisoner of war. And so I have done.
My
address is
J.C.
Weststrate
Havensir.
A51
Waarde
(Zla.) Holland
All
Photos
courtesy of G.W. Hewson Copyright © 2005. All rights reserved.
Tiger
Squadron
