- Contributed by听
- Barney123
- People in story:听
- Derek Whiteley
- Location of story:听
- Belgium
- Background to story:听
- Royal Air Force
- Article ID:听
- A1973919
- Contributed on:听
- 05 November 2003
This is not a long story, but I have often wondered whether the outcome was meant to be, or simply an amazing coincidence. I joined the RAF in 1942 and my close friend Bob Evans volunteered at the same time but chose to join the army, and subsequently became a second lieutenant in the Royal Armoured Corps at 20 years of age.
While on leave in December 1944, I called to see his mother only to be told that Bob had been killed in the battle for Antwerp. Shortly afterwards, my squadron moved to Maldegem in Belgium and I had promised Mrs Evans that I would endeavour to find Bob's resting place, should I get the opportunity. I was fortunate in being able to contact the Town Major in Antwerp, who very kindly took me to see Bob's grave. It seems that his tank had been hit by an 88mm shell while advancing through Hoboken outside Antwerp, and because of the dreadful injuries the crew sustained, all three of them were buried in a communal grave. Some kind soul had placed a sprig of spring flowers on the grave, just in front of a simple but temporary cross depicting all three names.
On my return to base I carefully pressed some of the flowers I had collected, wrapped them in cellophane and sent a long letter to Bob's mother, giving her a detailed account of his final resting place. It seems that Mrs Evans was telling someone that very morning that this was the first time she had not received flowers on her birthday from Bob, and yes, my letter arrived at lunchtime! It later transpired that not only was 21 May her birthday, but mine also. Coincidence or not? Mrs Evans wrote me a wonderful reply, stating that I would never know just how much my letter had meant to the family and that she would never forget my kindness. In fact, she wanted me to have Bob's Sam Brown belt as something to remember him by, but I just felt that I could not accept it.
Many years have passed since this event, and regrettably I have long since lost her letter.
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