In Memoriam

[amberdreams]

On Remembrance Day.  My husband's great Uncle died in the Great War

Menin Gate memorial
Webb Pte Stephen, 2888 B Coy, 4th Bn Suffolk Regt
3rd Feb 1916 age 22 son of Mrs G Webb of School Cottages, Smart Street

transcription of pencil written letter (below)

4 Suffolk Regt
B.E.F
France
Feby 19 1916

Dear Madam

I am indeed grieved to have to convey to you the sad news that your boy was killed on Thursday the 3rd inst and I expect by this time you have had confirmation of this from the War Office. By reason of a change of company commanders at the time of your son being killed, it was omitted to write to you to give you the first information so I am writing to save further delay.
Your son was killed by a shell and his death must have been instantaneous. The same shell wounded Pte Bunn severely and Cpl Driver slightly. We were in support at the moment and moving up to the firing line when your son was killed. In fact the Germans were shelling heavily at the time and we thought they might be intending to attack. Your boy was buried the same night near not far from the spot where he fell in a quiet spot. Sgt W Smith, his platoon Sgt and 2 of his pals buried him last night. Sgt Smith with another pal went to put a wooden cross over the grave with a proper inscription.
Your son was a real good lad, always bright and willing, and we all miss him very much. After being wounded once it does seem bad luck he should have been killed this time. He deserved better fate but one can rest assured he has given his life gallantly and for a righteous cause. I well know what his death must be to you all and I should like to take this opportunity of expressing my very sincere sympathy with the family. Your boy was very popular with the other men and I know they, with Capt Pretty, have the same feelings as myself.
Yours very truly W H M Pattisson Lieut

Comments

[borgmama1of5.livejournal.com]

Thank you for sharing this. This gives a look at what families have had to experience to those of us who have never been personally touched by war.

[amber1960.livejournal.com]

blackrabbit42 posted a citation much closer to home, for her brother. The weird thing is, some people already count both of these as history. It's letters like this that make it all real for those of us lucky enough to be a few steps away.

[blackrabbit42.livejournal.com]

((hugs)) to your grandma and other family members who have suffered such a loss.

[amber1960.livejournal.com]

All long dead now, but I'm sure appreciate the hugs nonetheless. This letter would have gone to my hubby's great gran.

[lylithj2.livejournal.com]

Thank you for sharing this. It touched me deeply.
May I ask what courty he fought for?

[amber1960.livejournal.com]

He was British. One of many young lives wasted in that particular war. Something personal like this brings it that much closer to home, doesn't it.

[fiery-fox2.livejournal.com]

What a brave, honorable man. <3

[amber1960.livejournal.com]

Just a boy, really, only 22...