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This story was submitted to the People’s War site by Vijiha Bashir, at Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú Scotland on behalf of Renfrewshire CSV and has been added to the site with the permission of Johnstone History Society. The author fully understands the site’s terms and conditions.

Royal Air Force,

CHURCH FENTON,

29: 4: 41
Dear Mrs Bell,

It is with very deep regret that I have to write to express the sincere sympathy of the whole unit to you in the loss of your husband. George was a great favourite here — and he leaves not only a serious gap in our lives, but a host of friends and admirers. Please believe me when I say that I personally feel the loss tremendously.

George went up with his pilot Sergt. Crosier at about 1.a.m. on the 26th of April to carry out a night flying exercise. I know both he and Crosier were longing to have a scrap with a Hun at night.

At about 2 a.m. over Boston Spa, they were engaged by a Hun at low altitude and they joined battle for about three minutes with terrific exchanges of fire. During the fight, Crosier was taking violent evasive action to avoid being hit by the Huns fire and came down very low. Three minutes after the fight started they hit a tree at Thorpes Arch, the aircraft exploded and they were both killed instantly. I examined the wreckage very carefully and found that the Hun had not got one shot into them so if you can find any consolation in your terrible loss, it is that the Hun did not win their first and last air battle.

I have given you a detailed account of the accident because I know you will prefer the truth.

Their aircraft was a Defiant — and we believe the Hun was a J.U.SS, which is a vastly superior type.

Please accept my sincerest and heartfelt condolences.

Yours very sincerely,
(SGD) R.R Atcherley.

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