MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEFENCE FOR AIR (Letterhead & Seal)

Ottawa

October 2nd, 1943.

Mr. E. G. Hansell, M.P.,
Vulcan, Alberta.

My dear Mr. Hansell:

Yesterday's casualty list indicates that one more of my friends is hit by the loss of his boy who has been reported missing after flying operations on the 28th September, whilst flying a Halifax Bomber in No.434 Squadron.

There is nothing which I can say except to let you know that I am thinking of you at this dismal time and offer you and yours all the sympathy which your great sacrifice demands, and at the same time, this small consolation that your son, Harry Ernest, is one of those of whom Canada can be justly proud.

I am asking our Casualty Officer to keep me posted on any future word received from the Air Ministry Overseas, and I do hope this word will bear better tidings than the first report of the flight from which your son failed to return would indicate.

Yours very sincerely,

Charles Power