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A Very Sad Announcement

Telegram on a yellow background with black type. “Canadian National Telegraphs” is written at the top followed by the recipient’s address and the date. Below is a message of about 35 words sent by the acting director of the military archives.

Date: March 14, 1945

Source: Department of Veterans Affairs

 

This telegram, dated March 14, 1945, announced the very sad news to Gisèle Garand, mother of a soldier from Verdun, Gérard Garand, who disappeared, and was presumed dead, on May 20, 1944. 

English translation of the telegram:
WE PROFOUNDLY REGRET TO INFORM YOU LIEUTENANT GÉRARD GARAND EARLIER DISAPPEARED DURING A ROUTINE FLIGHT ON FOURTEEN MAY 1944 NOW FOR OFFICIAL PURPOSES PRESUMED DEAD ON OR AROUND 20 MAY 1944 [Translation]