The Canadian Virtual War Memorial remembers…
Alison, granddaugher of T. B. ROWLAND remembers…
I am reaching out on this blog as this year will be the 80th anniversary. I have found some letters that were sent to my grandfather when this tragic event happened. I would very much like to share them with the Malone family if they would like to make contact with me.
Transcription
THOMAS D. MALONE INSURANCE
THREE RIVERS. P Q
4th October 1944.
Lt. T. B. Rowland, Coppathorne, Poundstock, Bude, N. Cornwall, England.
Dear Lt., Rowland,
I have been referred to you by Mr. G. L. Andrew, Solicitor of the Stratton Rural District Council, in regard to the care which the Local Homeguard are giving to the grave of my Son, Thomas D. Malone, V 48090, R.C.N.V.R. My Son was buried on the 15th of August in a communal grave along with two of his companions.
If it would not be asking too much of your kindness, might I ask you if you would be so good to advise me if this body of my dear Boy was buried in a separate casket, as at a later date, I may want to make some arrangements for the removal of the body.
I enclose herewith twelve shillings for which I would ask you to be so good as to place a few flowers on the grave of my dear Son.
Any information you care to give me regarding the funeral, would be a very great comfort to both my Daughter and myself. Assuring you of my thanks of your anticipated kindness, I am
Yours very truly,
Thomas D. Malone
T. D. Malone.
Courtesy Alison, granddaughter of Lt. T. B. Rowland
Transcription
Three Rivers P.Q. 27th Nov 1944
Very dear Lieutenant Rowland:
I received a couple of days ago your very king letter giving me the details of my dear son Thomas D Malone R.C.N.V.R. funeral, and also the photograph of the Church and cemetery adjacent thereto. For all of which I want to offer you my most sincere thanks. Also for the wreath which you placed on the grave of my dear boy. It is a comfort to know that all that is mortal of him resting among those who will remember with their kindness and keep the grave in good condition and flowers for rememberance.
When this terrible war comes to and end, it is in my plans to go over to England to visit this plot of ground which is sacred to me and his family. At such time I will look you up , and look forward to the pleasure of meeting you and some other gentlemen who have been very kind to me in my hour of gried & sorrow. At a future date I will write you and send you a card and money to deposit flowers on this resting place. I was so pleased to see that you had received the draft in time to place the wreath for Armistice Day. I had a very nice letter from the pastor the Rev. Mr. Montgomery. Again thanking you and assuring you of the appreciation of our family. Believe me sincerely Thomas D. Malone
I will write you again shortly and if there are any suggestions you care to make at any time, please do write me. Again thanking you and with kindest regards.
Sincerely
Remembering HMCS Regina K-234 