Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Phillip John Haas and Elizabeth Jane Haas nee Campbell of Scottsdale, Tasmania. Brother of Gladys Frederica Haas, Ella May Haas, Norman Ray Haas and  Phillip Christian Haas

Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal

Mrs Philip Haas, Scottsdale, has received the following letter of sympathy from Lieut Colonel J. E. Chord, commander of the Battalion of which her late son. Pte T. J. Haas, was a 
member : —
I desire to be permitted to convey to you my sincere sympathy and also that of the Battalion, in the great grief and loss sustained by you in the death of your son, Private T. J.  Haas, in action on the 13th December. I cannot describe your son better than in the words of his commander to me, namely that he was one of the very best ; a good worker ;  with an absolutely clean record ; very popular with his comrades.'' I feel sure that this knowledge will prove some comfort to you in your grief compared with the fact that your  son died in the strict performance of his duy in the Nation's cause; a good soldier. Again sympathising with you, believe me, your very sincerely. R. Chord, Lieut-CoIonel com. Bat. Capt J. W. Chisholm, the offices commanding A Company, also writes : - You will have heard, no doubt, of your son's death in action before this. (No 205 Pte T. J. Haas), and I  take the first opportunity of offering on my own behalf, and on behalf of the other officers and of the men of A Company, their deepest sympathy with you and the members of  your family in this sad bereavement. I have no doubt you have lost a splendid son, and your loss is greater than ours, but we have also lost a splendid comrade, a lad who was  universally esteemed and respected by us all, and a soldier who was implicitly trusted by myself and other officers of A Company. Your boy had an absolutely clean record  all the  time he was with us, always cheerful, ready for any work that was required, and always to be relied on, and was marked down for early promotion. In short he was, as I told our  Colonel. "One of the best." Your boy was hit by a sniper's bullet at 5.30 p.m on 18/12/1916 and killed instantly. The bullet entered under one shoulder, and came out under the other shoulder. He was buried next day, and I may be permitted later on to tell you the name of the place. While I know how great your grief must be, I hope yon will be  comforted by the fact that he died the best death that man can die, and the memory of him as a good soldier and trusty comrade will always remain with his comrades of A.  Company, Again assuring you of our deepest sympathy. Yours very sincerely. J. W. Chisholm, Capt. '