"My dearest old pal was wounded in the Somme Advance. I am told that he was hit with shrapnel and machine gun bullets. He had 44 wounds in his body but not a scratch on his face or head. He was taken to the Military Hospital at Etaples and was progressing wonderfully when 'Gangrene' poisoning set in upon his wounds which no one can stand and the worst happened. Poor old Spud was not in the least troubled with his wounds, he was as bright and as cheery as he always naturally was until he passed away and went West. He had a lovely funeral with

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full military honours and has now a most beautiful tombstone and cross over his grave. I have seen it. As soon as I found out where it was I went and paid my very best respects to it."