SAD NEWS CAME TO CHATHAM HOME THIS MORNING

John Sadler, Youngest Son of David Sadler Was Killed in Active Service, May 7

David Sadler this morning received the sad news of the death of his son, Sergeant John Murray Sadler, while on active service, Somewhere in England, May 7th. The following was the message received:

"Deeply regret to inform you that your son, Can/R62910 Sergeant John Murray Sadler, is reported to have lost his life on active service on the 7th May 1942. Letter confriming this cablegram and giving all available information follows. The Air Council express their confound sympathy. TCAF Record Office Gloucester."

Sergt. Sadler was the youngest child of David Sadler and the late Margaret Dickie Sadler and received his education in the Chatham Grammar School and the Mt. Allison Academy. He went overseas with the R.C.A.F. in September 1941.

Besides his father there survive two sisters (Lillian) Mrs. Carlton Covey of Fredericton; (Margaret) Mrs. F.C. McLennan of New York City, and Lieut. Robert Sadler, 1st Canadian Survey Regt., Somewhere in England.

LETTER HAD BEEN RECEIVED YESTERDAY

Sergt. Sadler was an aerrial gunner, the most dangerous position in the plane it is said, and it is a coincidence that only yestereday the family had received a letter from him in which he related that three of his most intimate chums with whom he bunked had been killed on a plane which had been struck by lightning.

To Mr. Sadler and family the deepest sympathy of the community is extended in this sad hour. Sergt. Sadler is the first member of the AirForce from the town of Chatham to make the Supreme Sacrifice.

Source: The Chatham Gazette, Friday, May 8, 1942, p. 1.

[The above story was reprinted as, "Sgt. WAG John Sadler,. Chatham, Killed" in the North Shore Leader, 15 May 1942, p. 4.] WAG stands for wireless air-gunner.]