Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Jane Crone; husband of Kathleen Myrtle Crone, of Rockhampton, Queensland.

TOO DEARLY LOVED TO BE FORGOTTEN. R.I.P.

Typical Digger
Sympathy Letter To Soldier's Widow
Mrs A. Crone of Bouldercombe, whose husband, Pte Arthur Crone, AIF, was killed in action, has received from a member of her late husband's company a letter which, serving to  comfort her in her sorrow, at once typifies the quiet and practical sympathy of the Australian soldier.
Expressing himself on behalf of the officers and men of the company, the writer stated:
" While we were in action last time, someone suggested that I should arrange a collection for you and the children. (Mrs Crone is the mother of four children.) I thought it an  excellent idea, and when we came out for a spell I immediately set to work and made the objective £25. which, I thought, could be used by you and the children either for a holiday or in any way you deemed fit.
"The response from both officers and men was very gratifying and made me feel that my small effort was really worth while. "To give you some idea of Arthur's popularity with  both officers and men, this afternoon I visited the pay sergeant and deposited with him the sum of £110, which is being forwarded to you. This will probably take from 10 to 14  days to reach you.
"Being a tent mate of Arthur's and with him in a dugout during our first taste of action, I got to know just how he loved you and each of the children. "I can honestly say that I've
never met anyone with a cheerier disposition, or one who was more generous. He more or less fathered the young lads in the platoon and they simply adored him. I was with  Arthur the day a  sniper shot him and I can assure you it was a very sad day for all of C Company.
" Last Saturday morning our OC told us that he had received a letter from you inquiring about some brooches for the girls and a knife for the lad. I believe inquiries are being  made about the knife, which, I know, Arthur had in his kit. Am almost certain he didn't have the brooches and he evidently intended getting them when we came out for a spell.
Anyhow, during the interval of our concert last Saturday night, a collection was taken for the specific purpose of purchasing some brooches so that the girls will not be disappointed. Once again the response was excellent, and I cannot say enough for the lads who assisted me in every way.
"When I called for a dozen of beer to be raffled, the lads stepped forward and I had the required dozen in a few minutes. "Another effort I appreciated was that of the boys who  run the two-up game. They set aside one night and all proceeds were handed into the fund. "I would like you to send me the names of the girls so that I can have the initials set  in the brooches. I know one to be Cecily and I think another is Mary, but I want to be sure before I have them made.
"Well, Mrs Crone, I hope that this letter has not made you too unhappy by bringing back fond memories of your late husband. May the future hold lots of happiness for you and  the children."
(The £110 mentioned in the letter has been received by Mrs Crone.)