L/AC Ronald James Branker to his infant son

Inherited letter from family.

The letter was sent from father to son (same name)

He was waiting to be posted and letter was for his son’s first birthday.

The newspaper clipping describes an incident five days after the birthday.

Transcript:

[Letter]

Hut 3, Site 1
RAF
Holmsley South
Nr Christchurch, Hants

My Darling Ron,

Unfortunately you will not be able to read this. But I shall be unable to be with you on your first birthday. I felt I must do something, and this is the best I can think of.

On Sunday, June 10th 1945 you will be one year of age, so firstly let me wish you a very very happy birthday and many happy returns of the day.

There have been times, during that year of your life, when you, like most other young men of your age, have not been as good as your mummy and I would have wishes, but I know for certain that she will join me in saying that you have been the best son in the whole wide world and I am so proud of you.

I have not been able to see you as often as I would have wished, but the times I have been able to spend with you have been so very, very pleasant and in that respect I count myself very lucky, as there are many fathers today who have not yet seen their sons or daughters and there are many who never will.

I am enclosing a little card for you, and also a postal order for £1 but as you would not know what to do with the latter, except perhaps to eat it, I have written to Mummy and asked her to get you something if possible.

And so Son, I must come to the end of this, my first letter to you, and I hope once more that you have a very happy birthday. I am so sorry that I shall not be able to spend it with you, but will you think of your Daddy on June 10th? I hope so because I shall be thinking of you, even more that I do on ordinary days, it that is at all possible.

God Bless you my little darling. Lots and Lots of love and kisses from your ever loving
Daddy
xxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxx

[Newspaper clipping]

Liberator Crash in Dorset: 27 Lives Lost

An R.A.F. Liberator, with a crew of five and 22 passengers, members of the R.A.F., crashed into the side of a hill in Dorset, coast at Swanage this morning. There were no survivors.

The plane afterwards burst into flames and burning debris was scattered over a wide area.

It is believed that the plan wich was outward bound, developed engine trouble over the sea and was returning inland when the crash occurred.

There was thick fog over the coast.

The Liberator was bound for North Africa. All the occupants were R.A.F. personnel.

Tagged:
Missing or killed in action, Parenthood

Contributed by:
Aaron Branker

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