BC August 23, 1917

Particulars Given of the Death of Corporal Jack Mason – Officer Writes That He Was a Great Favorite

Mrs. Walter Mason, 36 Strathcona Ave., has received the following letter with reference to Corporal Jack Mason, her brother-in-law, who died from wounds at the front.  He was residing with Mr. and Mrs. Mason when he left as a reservist from the first draft from here.  Mr. Mason is now overseas with the 125th.

July 31, 1917

My Dear Brother,

Just a few lines to you in answer to your welcome letter, and we were glad to hear you were well, as I am pleased to say we are well here.  The officer of Jack wrote and told mother that Jack was wounded in action, and died in hospital, on the 13-7-1917, and was buried on the 14th in a British cemetery at Coxyde, so I don’t think he could have suffered long.  I think he must have died as soon as they got him to hospital, poor boy.  The officer wrote a nice letter.  He said the battery had a rather bad day’s shelling at the hands of the enemy, but kept in action throughout and completed the task to destroy another German battery.  They behaved magnificently, but unfortunately lost several amongst who was your son.  We are all, both officers and men – very sorry to lose him, one of the old regular soldiers, and was a great favorite with the men; respected by the whole battery and a good, capable non-commissioned officers.  In conclusion we all join in expressing our deepest sympathy to you in your great loss.  The country has lost a good soldier.  

I beg to remain, yours sincerely,

R.A. Somerville
2nd Lieutenant, R.G.A.
No. 94 Siege Bty., France.