Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

"THE LATE PTE. ERIC WADE. 

A few days ago The Register published a letter from Pte. Douglas R. Wade, in which the writer stated that his younger brother had been killed at his side by a bomb. The mother of the lads, Mrs. S. Wade, of Torrens road, Kilkenny, has received the following pathetic note by the last mail. It was written by the deceased immediately prior to going into action:—

"This may be the last time that ever I will write to you, dear mother, as in the morning we are going into a great charge to take a great and strong formation. And take it we will. God only knows what the cost will be; but if you receive this note you will pretty well guess. I remain, your loving son, Eric. Good-bye, we will meet again."

A footnote asks the finder of the note, "if the writer is dead, not wounded, to post it to the-mother's address." It was found on the lad's paybook on the battlefield and was forwarded to South Australia by Senior Chaplain Miles, who penned a touching note of sympathy, which was enclosed with it." - from the Adelaide Chronicle 25 Nov 1916 (nla.gov.au)

Douglas Roy Wade was with his brother Eric Arnold Wade when he died at Pozieres. He wrote a letter to his mother, Selina Wade shortly after, which was published in the Murray Pioneer and Australian River Record (Renmark, SA) on 17 November 1916.

"HOW HE DIED." WITH A SMILE FOR HIS MOTHER.

We have seen few letters from the Front so nobly pathetic as the following. It was written to his mother by Pte. Douglas Wade (brother to Mr. Carol Wade of Renmark), telling her how her other son Eric, who was kill ed in the attack on Pozieres, met his death. The letter is headed "France July 29'" and the writer says:— My dear old Mum,—

Just a few lines mother to let you know that I am well, hoping you are the same. I expect before now you have had word about poor little Eric, but dear mum cheer up for my sake because you know that there are so many sad homes all over the world.

We were both together right up to the finish, I stuck to him to his last. I know mum it will break you up to read it, but I will endeavour to let you know how he fought, what he had done and how he died. We were in supports waiting our turn (I can't mention the name of the Battalion) but they charged, took a trench and advanced on to the next but were driven back to the first one. They counter-attacked and our officers sang put "Infantry at the double." We had four guns. We rushed out into the trench and began our work. Our machine gun team (6 men) worked well until No. 1 and No. 2 men were hit. Eric took their place and fired away, not wasting a shot, when his gun broke. He stopped to put on a new part and went on firing again, he fired until his gun was too hot and burned; he should have gone out and cycled it off but he would not, and he went on throwing bombs. He threw for five minutes and then got hit: he fell into my arms and said "Carry me out, Dug.''

I struggled for 25 to 30 minutes getting him out. I took my first aid dressing from my pocket and dressed him best I could; he was smiling all the time and was asking me if we were winning. I said "yes", and he would rally round, and tell me not to leave him, so I stayed with him to spell myself. I had no place to lay him, so I propped his head up on a dead Hun and made him easy. I could see, dear Mum, that nobody could save him. I absolutely wished for death that three hours, but I was saved.

Well Mum, the last five minutes with Eric was cheering, his face smiling and he said, "Cheer Mum up and God help the boys". I kissed him and said Good-bye. I know Mum this will break you up to read. but you will know Eric has done his bit for his country and died with a smile for you. I have been praying for you, dear Mum, for God to give you strength to bear up and take it all. I will fight now to have revenge. A lad lying near by my side had news two hours ago that his father had died. But Mum. they put us in the strongest position on the British front to take, and we took it in three days hard fighting. We had British troops on one side and French on the other. You will remember in the Boer War what work the kilties (Scotchmen) done. Well, we had them helping us. Our officer (Mr. Campbell) has your address, he is going to write to you, so dear Mum, for my sake cheer up and write a cheery letter. Poor old Charley Bedell has been with me ever since, he came through safe. He cried when I told him. He has written you, he is my best pal.

I have a few little things to send you, including a letter which Eric had in his pocket addressed to you with some pretty verse in it. You will like it.

Well Mum, I must, close now. Please cheer up and enjoy yourself as much as possible. I am alright and away from the firing line again. You will see the position we took in the maps in the papers. Name is Pozieres, near Albert. Au revoir. I remain Your loving soldier son, DOUGLAS.