Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of James Malcolm Stafford and Jessie Wilson Stafford, of "Oonooraba '', Ann St., Maryborough, Queensland.

THE LATE SERGT. JAMES
STAFFORD.
Mrs. J. M. Stafford has received the following kind letter of sympathy respecting the sad death of her son, Sergt. James Stafford, who was killed in action in France on April 5th, from a friend who was fighting alongside him in the same action:—
Australian Red Cross Society.
No. 3 Ward. 1st Australian Auxiliary
Hospital,
Harefield, Middlesex,
9th May, 1918
Dear Mrs. Stafford. — Words cannot express my sympathy in the loss of your son, James, killed in action on the 5th April last  when the Australians so nobly held up the advancing hordes; but, sad to relate, at the cost of many  noble lives. I myself am  now suffering from a wound received on that date, my position being but a few yards from "Jim." He was doing good work under intense machine gun fire, when I had to evacuate, as my arm was absolutely useless and loss of blood was telling. My mother,  too, is suffering from a very grievous loss, for on the 24th April my youngest brother was also killed in action. Such is this cruel  conflict, the causes of which words of sympathy can never heal. As platoon sergeant your son was highly esteemed, and as an all round mate and friend there were none to surpass him — his cheery wit and humour and voice made of him a great favourite. Personally we were great friends, and, I can assure, the loss is a severe blow to me. He was known to me as "Wilson Hart," and I  to him as "Meacham and Leyland," in fun, for the reason that the first day he heard my name he asked me was I from Barcaldine: On replying "yes," he in formed me he used to be in W.H.'s. After that it was nothing for me to be out on some lonely outpost keeping watch and in the dead of night to hear Jim's cheery whisper after he had been halted. "Hello, that you M. and L.  " I'd say "Right O! Advance Wilson Hart." This and similar incidents occurred during Jim's periodical visits to the outposts as  platoon sergeant, and I could relate dozens of bits of fun we had back in billets; but alas! now but memories. We can only rest  our minds full knowing that he died -a noble death in the fight for freedom — a freedom which, if not gained— well, it will be
better to be dead.— I am, yours sin cerely and in sorrow,
(Signed) ARTHUR D 'LEYLAND.
L/cpl. No. 2, P., 47th.
P.S. — In saying I am expressing the sentiments of the platoon would be use-less, as but two fit men remain. This gives you an  idea of what we had to face on that awful morning of the 5th April. Nevertheless I am certain, Mrs. Stafford, that had more been spared in our platoon you would have been the recipient of many sympathetic letters. — A.L.

Out of respect of the memory of the late Sergeant J.M. Stafford, who was a member of the United Exiles Cricket Club prior to leaving for the war, the United-Tinana Cricket match was not commenced on Saturday afternoon.  There was no tennis on the Eskdale Courtes on Saturday, the late Sergeant being a prominent member of the club.