Advanced Search
Analytics

ScrpBk1_03-a

Downloadable Content

Download image

File Details

Depositor
Date Uploaded
Date Modified
Fixity Check
passed on July 28, 2024 at 05:35
Characterization
Height: 5555
Width: 4370
File Format: tiff (Tagged Image File Format)
File Size: 72849984
Filename: 3022_2016-001_ScrpBk1_03-a.tif
Last Modified: 2024-07-28T14:23:16.133Z
Original Checksum: e3443a0b6aada5aa8da68b6f2ffce7b0
Mime Type: image/tiff

View of ScrpBk1_03: English copy of letter from Lt. Col. Randle Barnett Barker of the 22nd Royal Fusiliers to Ernest Destrubé, 16 March 1917.

Transcript
  • [start page] Dear Mr. Destrube. I have received your letter of March 10th. I was in command of the Brigade at the battle of Miraumont, and almost immediately afterwards went home for 10 days, as I was rather seedy. When I left I could not quite gather whether both your boys had been killed or I should have written you before. After an action of that sort <del>it take</del> when regiments and even divisions get intermingled, it takes several days to ascertain whether men are killed, wounded or missing. In this case however, I am afraid there is absolutely no doubt. Both your boys were buried on the battlefield, with many of their comrades, by the Chaplain. A cross has been erected at Ovilliers to all the gallant men of the Regiment who fell in that action. They were both killed in the way they would have wished, "Fighting their gun to the last". The Germans made a heavy counter attack and if it had not been for their gallantry and also Sergt. Brierley's, a very serious situation would have arisen. As you know of old, I had always the admiration and affection for your three boys. They were simply splendid, full of humour, always cheery and burning for a fight. I had only three day (sic) before the attack recommended them for commissions. I think we always understood each other, and had therefore, the mutual confidence which a Commanding Officer always tries to get with his men. No men will be more missed in the whole Regiment. I can only offer you my sympathies, - but what are they to a heartbroken father! I can't replace them - their example alone was worth anything. There are only myself and one officer and about 40 men now left of Regiment. I suppose my <del>1 word</del> will come soon - it's overdue! With my deepest sympathy, Yours sincerely, (signed) R. B. Barker, Lt. Col. 22nd Royal Fus. [end page]
Permalink
User Activity Date