Letters From the Front

Dated:

No. 3 Australian C.C.S.

B.E.F.

France, 31-10-1917

Mrs. H. H. King,

312 Townsend Street,

Dear Madam,

I am writing to tell you about your husband, Pte. E.C. King, No. 195718 [195118]. He was brought into this hospital yesterday at 11 a.m., very collapsed and suffering from severe penetrating wound of the back into his abdomen, his bowel being severely injured in several places, also another wound in the right thigh. His condition was very low from shock and loss of blood, and in spite of everything that was done to revive him he did not rally at all, and died last night at 8 o'clock. I told him when he was first admitted not to worry, that I would write and tell you that he was wounded. So he was quite relieved and glad to think that you would all know about him; and sent his love to everyone, but had no idea at all that he was dying. I am afraid it is not very much to tell you, but it might be some comfort to you to know that he was in hospital where he had every possible care and attention, and was relieved of all his pain. He was buried to-day in a military cemetery at “Nine Elms” near Poperinghe, and if there is anything further with regard to the grave that you wish to know, you can write to the officer in charge, G.R.W., War Office. This unit is in charge of all soldiers' graves in France. All his small personal belongings will be eventually sent on to you as his next-of-kin.

I remain,

Yours faithfully,

Ida O'Dwyer, Sister-in-Charge.