Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Envelope addressed to: Mrs D. E. Mates, Hopeton Street, Campberwell, Victoria
France 22 / 8 / 16
Dear Mrs Mates
It is with a mixed feeling of sorrow and pride that prompts me to write these few lines, offering on behalf of the platoon your late husband was attached to, our sincerest sympathy on the death by being “killed in action” of your beloved husband.
It was a sad scene to see the pride of Australia, all trained up to fighting pitch, suddenly wrestled out of this world. Our losses were heavy, but it is a little consolation to know that the enemy’s losses were greater. It was during an attack on the German’s lines that your gallant husband so nobly died. The ground to be covered was being shelled by all sizes of shells and machine guns, but the lads never faltered. Over the parapet in three lines they went, like on parade. Many fell, but the others kept moving forward and captured the position. I did not see your husband fall, but a few minutes before the charge, I was speaking to him and he was cheerful and full of confidence. The boys tell me he was killed instantly and suffered no pain.
His body was brought in and buried beside others of the same Company, in a cemetery about 800 yards from the trench where he fell. He died for his country. But Madam, knowing how you will feel the loss of your betrothed protector through life, I once again offer you my heartfelt sympathy in this time of grief and sorrow. My address if you should require any further information is: 351 Sergt R Thompson, B. Coy, 31st Battn, A.I.F.
Trusting God will guide and protect you.
I am
On behalf of his pals,
R Thompson