SLIDE 1 Harry Simpson (actual name Henry) was the only son in the Simpson
- family. He was inspired by the ‘dog
fights’ he saw taking place in the skies above Biggin Hill to join the RAF when he was only 18. The painful separation of this close-knit family is obvious in the emotional letters between Harry and his mother who would always start her letters with ‘Darling son’.
Writing Home 4: Harry Simpson
Har Harry’s Par aren ents
SLIDE 2 Writing Home 4: Harry Simpson
Letter from Harry to his family 24th November 1943:
My Dear Mum, Dad, Connie and Jean Just a letter to let you know I am O.K. and hope you are the
- same. I hope you got my last letter with the … enclosed.
Well no doubt you have heard how Berlin was — well we were on both those raids. I will tell you all about it when I come home. I will be getting leave from next Tuesday. I received books today O.K. Well that is about all for now. So cheerio and don’t worry God Bless you all All my love Harry xxxxxxxxx
SLIDE 3
Writing Home 4: Harry Simpson
Harry served as an RAF flight engineer in Bomber Command. He was away on a mission for his 21st birthday. This is a birthday card from Harry’s Mum.
SLIDE 4
Writing Home 4: Harry Simpson
A week after his 21st birthday Harry’s aircraft failed to return during a mission to attack Versailles the day after D-Day. The Simpson’s received a telegram on 8th June, 1944, informing them that Harry was missing as a result of air operations on the night of 7th/8th June.
SLIDE 5
Writing Home 4: Harry Simpson
A letter from Wing Commander Garner saying there may be hope that Harry could still be found alive as a Prisoner of War.
SLIDE 6
Writing Home 4: Harry Simpson
After an agonising six month wait, the family received a telegram with the tragic news that Harry had lost his life in action. Harry was awarded the distinguished flying medal in 1946 for his ‘utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.’
