I am very sorry to have to write to you and inform you that your dear son was killed in action on June 15th. He died as every true soldier wishes to die - doing his duty nobly for King and Country. He was doing some sand-bagging on the parapet of the trench when four bullets from a machine gun hit him and he died instantaneously.

He lies buried amid brave comrades in a wood, and his grave is carefully tended by his friends in his battalion. I offer you my deepest sympathy and pray that Almighty God in his mercy will give you comfort and strength to bear up under this great blow.

May I remind you of that text which occurs in the 15th Chapter of St. John's Gospel and the 14th verse? - "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends".

Yours sincerely
M.A.O. Mayne
C of E Chaplain