Some Updates

Yeah it's been a while since I posted but since then some things have happened. Last week I was contacted by a pair of Dutch researchers from Valkenswaard (where Edward's plane crashed) who have made a website chronicling their town during the Second World War. They've asked me to include Edward's story and pictures on their website and I've agreed. Follow the link to see:

http://www.debevrijdingvanvalkenswaard.nl

 

 

(no English translation yet)

Edward's Log Book

Yes I know, I haven't updated in a while. I've scanned some pages out of Edward's log book, enjoy!

Edward's last log entry

Granddad's Wedding

The wedding of Grandad and my Nana, Joan Coxwell, November 1944.

Edward Dowe: Aftermath

In the early morning hours of February 20th 1944, Edward and aircrew disappeared over Holland. News was slow reaching his family who were originally informed that he was missing in action.

 

This time was never discussed in my family so I don't know how Mildred or my Great-Grandparents dealt with this news. Maybe they did assume the worst or held out hope that Edward was a POW. From the records I've found, I know Mildred wrote letter after letter to get information about her husbands whereabouts.

In January 1945 the RCAF changed Edward's status to Presumed Dead. That was it. Given no concrete proof of Edward's death, Mildred did not stop her letting writing. In August of 1946 she and Edward's family finally learned the truth. 

While on their way back from Germany, Edward's crew was attacked by a German Night fighter. Their Lancaster plane crashed 2km N.E. of Valkenswaard. An investigation revealed a witness, Mrs. van Riemsdijk, who saw the plane explode 50 metres before the crash. Debris was scattered over a large area. She and other town members approached the aircraft to see if there were any survivors. Four bodies were removed and reported buried in Woensel Cemetary, Eindhoven. At the time of the investigation only two graves were marked, F/O Hancock, and Sgt. Gaynne. The rest were unknown. The towns people collected what ID discs they could and handed them over to the Red Cross. 

 

The unknown graves were exhumed to establish identity and to see if more than one body was buried in each grave. On March 18th 1948, Mildred received her final response from the RCAF. Edward's body had been identified and buried in Plot KK, Row 1, Grave 11 in Woensel Cemetery. 

 

For Mildred, I don't know what happened to her or if she re-married. I do know that every year on my Great-Grandmother's birthday she would send a dozen roses. For my Great-Grandparents, the carefully preserved photos and letters are proof enough. In 1949, Alma Dow received the medals Edward never got to wear. They are still in our possession today.

As Granddad wrote in the introduction to Edward's letters:

It is important that these letters be preserved because they record some of his hopes and aspirations which by his untimely death were left to be realized by others. It is also important to remind ourselves that the price, for the freedoms we enjoy, were paid for by the thousands of young men, like him, who never counted the cost.

Some Images

I scanned a few things this morning, including a letter I did not previously transcribe (from Aug 6th 1943.)

February 19/20 1944

On the night of February 19th 1944, the crew of Lancaster DS776, 426 Squadron, RCAF, suited up and as Edward liked to tell in his letters "headed east for some ops." They left RAF Linton-On-Ouse for Leipzig, Germany.

From what we know their bombing run was successful. Their job done, Edward's crew headed back to England. In the early morning hours of February 20th 1944, somewhere over Holland, Edward disappeared.

Feb 15 1944

Feb 15/44

Dear Mom-

I had a very nice letter from you today and from Nanny yesterday. I have an awful lot of writing to catch up on tonight so its going to get me bopping.

Sorry to hear Milton was so sick with a cold. I hope to goodness he is over it by now and back to school.

Things aren't going to bad ata ll except I'm grounded tonight on account of rheumatism in my shoulder but I will be okay tomorrow. The best treatment is a rub dow. I had a pretty bad cold perhaps Mildred told you about it but it's gone now.

Glad to hear that you and Daddy are both well and dandy. Keep that way-its cheaper.

I have a nice fit in our fit place and it's dandy and warm. I guess its the dampy weather over here that brought the rheumatism back. Remember I had it three years ago when I was at Domminon Wheel and Foundries. I thought I got rid of it but I guess it take this damp English weather to start things again.

Glad to hear you had a nice quiet New Years, I had it the same way. Frank and I weren't together at Xmas but I saw him two weeks ago while I was on leave and he was taken back in the hospital with the flu. He is fine and dandy now. He hasn't made it up with Marjorie and don't let anyone tell you that he has. I know that for a fact. I rather imagine he has told you the same by now.

I got robbed of 17 pounds while I was on leave some dirty individual took it out of my wallet while I was washing. It's gone now and there isn't much use worrying about it.

I guess you are just as glad its a mild winter, easier on the coal. Did you have a big tree for the kids or just a small one? Boy when Frank and I come home there will be the biggest and most heavily laden Christmas that we ever saw. Just like when Frank and I were young. We will need a big tree because the family is getting bigger you know what I mean.

Well I must close for tonight I'll write soon Mom. Love to all and God Bless you and hugs.

Your Son

Ed

New address and rank:

F/Sgt Dowe E.A.
R-188197
426 Squadron
RCAF Overseas