Ripline
18th Mar 2005, 19:18
Apologies if this has been requested (and answered elsewhere), but I'm interested in this story...
A few evenings ago I was fixing something for an elderly aunt by marriage and in the process of fishing around in her suprisingly well equiped "bits and bobs" drawer for fuses I noticed a small cardboard box with a typewritten label. Turning it over I read "Air Ministry" on the label and asked what it might be.
I knew vaguely that her first husband had served in the RAF and had been killed, but the subject had never been raised (she married twice more) and not much was known about him by my side of the family. Of course the box contained his war medals, or at least the standard service ones, Atlantic Star, Italian Star, War Medal and War Service medal.
Over a cup of tea she told me a little about him, his name and what she had been told of how he died. In a very poignant moment she opened her handbag and brought out two small snapshots of themselves during the short time they had together. They were a very handsome couple, both of them very good-looking (she's well into her eighties and still dresses beautifuly and with taste: she's still slim and elegant!). She spoke softly of their love and closeness, remembered over 60 years ago. I don't think she ever got over his death.
During the war she was billeted in Hertfordshire with 5 other girls. They all lost their husbands.
So, these are the details that I have. You guys will no doubt know where I should start looking!
Flight Seargant Alfred Frank Sammes
Pilot, on Wellingtons, Coastal Command.
Trained in Canada, his crew were Canadian.
1945 Lost at sea "40 miles off Jersey", poor weather. One Mayday heard from the aircraft, no further contact.
I'm very moved by this fragment of a story and would like to know more, can anyone help?
Many thanks!
Ripline
A few evenings ago I was fixing something for an elderly aunt by marriage and in the process of fishing around in her suprisingly well equiped "bits and bobs" drawer for fuses I noticed a small cardboard box with a typewritten label. Turning it over I read "Air Ministry" on the label and asked what it might be.
I knew vaguely that her first husband had served in the RAF and had been killed, but the subject had never been raised (she married twice more) and not much was known about him by my side of the family. Of course the box contained his war medals, or at least the standard service ones, Atlantic Star, Italian Star, War Medal and War Service medal.
Over a cup of tea she told me a little about him, his name and what she had been told of how he died. In a very poignant moment she opened her handbag and brought out two small snapshots of themselves during the short time they had together. They were a very handsome couple, both of them very good-looking (she's well into her eighties and still dresses beautifuly and with taste: she's still slim and elegant!). She spoke softly of their love and closeness, remembered over 60 years ago. I don't think she ever got over his death.
During the war she was billeted in Hertfordshire with 5 other girls. They all lost their husbands.
So, these are the details that I have. You guys will no doubt know where I should start looking!
Flight Seargant Alfred Frank Sammes
Pilot, on Wellingtons, Coastal Command.
Trained in Canada, his crew were Canadian.
1945 Lost at sea "40 miles off Jersey", poor weather. One Mayday heard from the aircraft, no further contact.
I'm very moved by this fragment of a story and would like to know more, can anyone help?
Many thanks!
Ripline