%2BNetley%2BHospital%2Bchapel.jpg)
Netley Hospital Chapel
Monday 7th December 1914: How does one break the news of a brother’s death to one’s mother? Such a dilemma was, we understand, recently faced by Private H. Huckle of 2nd Bedfordshire Regiment. He is currently in Netley Hospital, Hampshire, and addressed a letter to his sister: “Am pleased to say I am going on splendidly. I was hit in the chest – just missed the heart by an inch. That was a fortnight ago, but I was unable to let you know before. Am leaving Netley on Friday – going somewhere to recruit my health”.
“With regard to Alfred, for heaven’s sake be brave and break the news to mother, for I dare not write to her. He is dead – was killed on October 26th – died in the fighting line, fighting for his King and country. No nobler death can a soldier die. Do try and be brave and comfort poor old mother. Remember greater love can no man show than lay down his life for his country (1). Do try and be brave and break the news to mother" (2)
Source: Luton News 26th November 1914
(1) A distortion of a saying of Jesus – “greater love hath no man that he lay down his life for his friend”.
(2) 3/6130 Private Alfred Huckle from Stotfold was killed in action with 2nd Battalion on 31st October 1914 near Zandvoorde. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate. Harry himself would be killed in action with the same battalion on 12th October 1916 assaulting Gird Trench near Eaucourt l’Abbaye on the Somme. He also has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
“With regard to Alfred, for heaven’s sake be brave and break the news to mother, for I dare not write to her. He is dead – was killed on October 26th – died in the fighting line, fighting for his King and country. No nobler death can a soldier die. Do try and be brave and comfort poor old mother. Remember greater love can no man show than lay down his life for his country (1). Do try and be brave and break the news to mother" (2)
Source: Luton News 26th November 1914
(1) A distortion of a saying of Jesus – “greater love hath no man that he lay down his life for his friend”.
(2) 3/6130 Private Alfred Huckle from Stotfold was killed in action with 2nd Battalion on 31st October 1914 near Zandvoorde. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Menin Gate. Harry himself would be killed in action with the same battalion on 12th October 1916 assaulting Gird Trench near Eaucourt l’Abbaye on the Somme. He also has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.
No comments:
Post a Comment