The following letter has been received from the officer of his company:Sunday October 17th 1915
Dear Miss Hoult,
It is with the deepest regret that I write to inform you of the death of your brother today at 1
o’clock.
He, with three others, was engaged in laying a wire in the trenches, when a shell burst close to
them, killing two of them instantaneously and wounding the third.
Searching the letters upon him, I have found none from any closer relation than yourself, and I
therefore, write to you.
Words cannnot express the regret I feel in having to send you this news, but though you will
doubtless soon hear it through official channels, I thought a letter might be of use. I can only offer
my most sincere sympathy and endeavour to console you by saying that your brother died a
painless death and a noble one, in that he gave his life for his country.
He was always a cheery fellow, popular with his comrades, liked and trusted by the officers,
especially myself. He was in my section and I have always found him a willing and competent boy.
About three weeks ago, while laying a telephone, he was slightly “gassed” but soon recove red after
a good sleep in my dugout, and returned to his duties as a telephone linesman, though I offered to
transfer him back to the less dangerous position of an ordinary gunner. I admired his pluck, and
shall feel his loss immensely, as will also all the Battery, who join with me in offering you our very
deepest sympathy in your hour of bereavement.
I have here a few personal belongings which will be sent you as soon as possible. They include
several letters, and also a photo of which I take to be yourself, also a knife, belt etc.,
He was killed by a piece of shell striking his head. He will be buried tomorrrow in a little cemetery
near by, and we have procured a clergyman to pronounce God’s blessing over him, which will
assuredly speed him on his way to heaven.
Any information other than this, or help of any sort which you require, I will most gladly give on
receipt of this letter.
With my deepest sympathy.
I am,
Yours sincerely,
G.F. Foley