Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Private Fred. Long writing to the relative of Private Robert Parsons killed in action, says –

"You will have received an official report before this about Bob Parsons being killed. I was in the same platoon on the day of the 20th September. We were out on a job, and about 6pm, just as the sun was setting, they started to shell us. Bob was a little way from me when we all took cover, but a shell landed right on him I am grieved to say I was not sure that he was there as there had been several shells and when it eased off I looked where I thought he was, but could see nothing of him, and then had to take cover again for a while. When making inquires after some one said that he was wounded in the foot, but they must have been mistaken, as the next day they picked up Bob's pay-book, so the shell must have blown him up. I was hoping until then that he was only wounded, but the officer was so sure that he said I could write and tell you. Of course, you will understand I am telling you more than I could tell his mother. I looked through his things yesterday and found two letters to his mother and I send them on. He had all his private things on him, bar these so that they are missing. He is much missed in the company, as he was a good fellow all round, and was regarded as a dinkum soldier. That is his praise here and he will remain in our memory as such, as we know his worth. We buried his remains decently, and will erect a memorial on the Flanders Plains. We all join in sympathy with you and his mother for the loss of a son, and our comrade, who was a brave soldier and a man. If there is any thing further we can do for you to ease his mother's pain and worry; we will be at your service. I am writing to his mother but not putting details as you can judge best if she should know all. He served 11 months, and died a true Australian. I close in deep sympathy with you in your loss."

Source: tasmanianwarcasualties.com