Briley, Harold Vinton

(Note: relative on board-Robert Edmon Batten S1c)

Harlan, Iowa
October 25, 1945

Dear Capt. McVay,

Not doubt you have received many letters as this and believe me I'm sorry to be adding another one. I am writing you concerning my husband's brother and also mine. These boys were aboard the Indianapolis and we would like so very much to get a little information about them.

These boys are Harold B. Briley, mailman 3/c of Farragut, Iowa and Robert E. Batten S1/c-Gunner's Mate of Davenport, Iowa.

Any information you can pass onto us concerning either or both of these boys will be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Mrs. V. J. Briley
Stowe's Court
So. 6th St.
Harlan, Iowa

Pers-8249-LK

October 31, 1945

My dear Mrs. Briley,

Your letter of October 25th concerning your husband's brother, Harold V. Briley, and your brother Robert Edmon Batten, has just reached me here in the Bureau of Naval Personnel where I have been on temporary duty since my return from Guam the middle of last month.

I regret that I can add nothing to my letter of September 24th to Mrs. Lele C. Briley, regarding the manner in which Harold V. Briley, Mailman third class, United States Naval Reserve lost his life nor can I add anything to my letter of September 25th to Mr. James M. Batten, regarding the manner in which your brother Robert Edmon Batten, Seaman first class, United States Naval Reserve, lost his life.

It is difficult I know for you to understand why we can not furnish more information. However, when it is realized that the ship sank in the middle of the night in a very short time and that no records whatsoever were saved that may explain our difficulty in piecing together a coherent story.

May I express my heartfelt sympathy to you and your husband for the great loss you have suffered.

Very sincerely,
CHAS. B. McVay, III
Captain, U.S. Navy

Mrs. V. J. Briley
Stowe's Court
So. 6th Street
Harlan, Iowa