HC Deb 13 August 1940 vol 364 cc627-8W
Mr. J. P. Morris

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that the mother of Boy Telegraphist Albert Ernest James, No. P/JX 159337, who was on board His Majesty's Ship "Calypso," sunk on 12th June, was without any information whether he was a casualty until the 13th July, notwithstanding that the disaster was announced on 15th June; that the boy, whose wages are 3s. 6d. per week, could not write until he got paid and then only by air-mail; that the letter was only received by the mother on 1st August; and as the letter was censored, will he say how this mother, and other persons in similar circumstances, can communicate with their relatives when their whereabouts are not known?

Sir V. Warrender

The public announcement of the loss of His Majesty's Ship "Calypso" stated that the next-of-kin of all casualties had been informed. The lack of any such notification to Mrs. James was evidence that her son was not a casualty. I recognise that since the war with Italy started, mails from the Mediterranean have been subject to delay. The recently announced telegram concession was instituted to provide a method by which the nearest relatives and friends of Naval personnel could send them urgent personal messages. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Press notice concerning this scheme.