Alma Russell Letters
Letters of British Columbia men on active service with Canadian and British Expeditionary Forces, 1914-1918. Learn more.
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7
the horizon. The pop of a rifle alone breaks the tranquility of the evening, “the distant and random gun, that the foe is sullenly firing.”
Standing amidst roses and thistles we watch the sun, now a huge red orb slowly disappear below the horizon; we are reminded of Gray’s village philosopher, who, in the seclusion of his country churchyard at this same evening hour, “With wistful eyes pursues the setting sun.”
The scream of a shrapnel brings us back to earth in a second—a rude awakening. As we hasten towards the old archway, the yellow blossoms of the evening primrose again attract our eye—they have opened out—night has fallen.
It is time to depart.
COPY OF OFFICER’S LETTER
B.E.F.,
25th Nov., 1916.
Dear Mrs. Gunn,
I am writing to tell you how very sorry I am about your son’s death in action on the 13th of this month. The Battalion charged and took a very important and strongly held position, and your son fell gallantly pressing forward and doing his duty. He had been with me as a sniper for several months, and at all times did his work well and fearlessly and showed a keen interest and intelligence in all he did. His character was excellent and in his quiet and steady way he showed a fine example to those around him. I liked him very much and he was very popular among his comrades. He was brought back to the Field Ambulance dressing station and received every attention and care that was possible, but died in the Hospital. He is buried in a village military cemetery behind the line, with a wooden cross with his name and battalion on it. Please accept my sincere sympathy. I shall miss him very much.
I am yours sincerely,
Lieut., A. and S. H.
BC Archives, MS-1901 Box 1 File 5 / RUSSELL, Alma M., 1873 - 1964. Victoria; librarian. / Letters and associated items from Private Jack A. Gunn, 1915 - 1916.