Thanks Alex;
I have just got access to the 408 Squadron records for this period, now that LAC is putting so many RCAF records on line. The 408 ORB for 12 September 1942 confirms that AE385 was with 408 Sdn when lost, and that its individual letter was "L".
Take a look at
http://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oo...4/1829?r=0&s=2 , image #1829
Finally, my notes have AE197 as "EQ*N".