ENGLAND’S SPIRIT

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21195, 19 August 1940, Page 7

ENGLAND’S SPIRIT

LETTER FROM FATHER DEAD SON’S EXAMPLE MONEY FOR SPITFIRE (Official Wireless) (Received Aug. 19, 11.20 a.m.) RUGBY, Aug. 18 Lord Beaverbrook has received the following letter from Mr H. H. Merrett:— “On Sunday last we received the tragic news that my son, Fly-ing-Officer Norman Merrett, had lost his life ‘Somewhere in Britain’ while serving in the Royal Air Force. On Monday morning we woke to find as a result of a raid five of our store cattle killed and others badly maimed. The village in which we live is one of a thousand acres, with a population of lOii. “These tragic circumstances have served only to strengthen the determination of this little community to prove to the despicable enemy that we are unconquerable and led our hearts to rise to the greatest possible heights in assisting you and your colleagues in the admirable efforts you are making to defend and feed the people of the most sacred spot on God’s earth. “I cannot provide you with another gallant son. The one who has gone was my only son. But I want you to accept from the village of Michaelston-le-Pit the enclosed cheque for £SOOO to purchase a Spitfire, so that one of the ever-growing number of lads from Britain and the Dominions so anxious to defend us in the air may be equipped with an instrument which, combined with that indomitable spirit of courage and fearlessness, will enable him, as his colleagues are now doing, to take severe toll of these insane beings who are attempting with increasing failure to demolish the morale of our people. “Every member of this community is subscribing towards the Spitfire. It is not a personal gift but something to commemorate the passing of my son.”