HC Deb 08 July 1943 vol 390 cc2282-3W
Viscount Hinchingbrooke

asked I he Secretary of State for War whether he will set out the standard form of telegram sent by all three Service Departments notifying casualties to relatives and indicate where the form of wording differs for different types of casualties?

3. Sir J. Grigg

The wording of telegrams sent by the Army notifying casualties to relatives and the wording of telegrams, which I understand are sent in similar circumstances by the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, are as follow:

Royal Navy.

(a) Death or Missing. Deeply regret to inform you that ………has been reported as (having lost his life) (missing) on active service.

(b) Wounded. Regret to inform you that……… has been reported as having been wounded on active service.

Army.

(a) Death. Deeply regret to inform you that report dated………has been received from……… that ……… has been killed in action. The Army Council desire to offer you their sincere sympathy.

(b) Wounded or missing. Regret to inform you of notification received from……… that………

has been reported wounded in action missing

on……… Letter follows shortly.

Royal Air Force.

(a) Death. Deeply regret to inform you that your ……… is reported to have lost his life as the result of……… on…… … The Air Council express their profound sympathy. His……… is being informed.* Letter confirming this telegram follows.

(b) Injury. Regret to inform you that your……… is reported seriously/dangerously injured as a result of air operations/an aircraft accident/enemy action on………… and admitted to……… …Hospital. Any futher information received will be communicated to you immediately. Letter confirming this telegram follows. His……… is being informed.* Suggest you contact Hospital before visiting.

(c) Missing. Regret to inform you that your……… is reported missing as the result of air operations on……… Inquiries are being made through the International Red Cross Committee and any further information received will be communicated to you immediately. Should news of him reach you from any other source please advise this Department.His………is being informed.* Letter confirming this telegram follows.

*Used in cases where more than one relative is informed.

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