LAST MESSAGE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 189, 22 July 1940, Page 2

LAST MESSAGE

"THOSE WHO SERVE ENGLAND MUST EXPECT NOTHING FROM IIER" AIRMAN , TO MOTH". *1 "Those who serve England must expect nothing from her. We debase ourselves if we regard our ooun try merely as a place in which to eat and sleep." This is a passage from a noble and moving letter written by :4 young airman to his mother, witii instructions that it be sent to her only if he was killed. Now he is posted missing, believed killed. The mother, yielding to the entreaties of the boy's commanding officer, consented to anonymous pub licatiom of the letter in the Times, which editorially describes it as n document which may ..well become a classic. This is the letter: — "Dearest Mother^— "Though I feel no premonition at all, events arc moving rapidly. Should I faiil to return from one of the raids we will shortly be called upon undertake, you must acccpl the fact that I have handed my taskon to extremely capable hands, my R A.F. comrades, as many splendid felliows havea lready done. "Done My Duty." "It will comfort you to know that my role has been of the greatest importance, patrolling the North Sea to keep the traide routes clear. "Although it will be difficult, you wilil disappoint me if you do not a I least try to accept the facts dispassionately, for I shall have done my du f y to the utmost of my ability. No man can do more; no one calling himself man could do less. "I have always admired your amaz ing courage. In the face of continual setbacks, you have given me as good an education and background as anyone in the country, and have always kept up appearances without ever losing faith in future. "My death would not mean that your struggle has been in vain. Far from it. It would mean that' your sacrifice has been as great as mine. Gave' Their All. "History resounds with illustrious names who have given their all, yet their - sacrifice has resulted in the British Empire, where there is a measure of peace, justice and freedom of all; where a higher standard of civilisation has evolved, and is still evolving, than anywhere else "For all that can be said against it, I still maintain that this Avar is a very good thing. Every individual is having a chance to give and dare all for his principles, Like the martyrs of old. "However long the time may be, one thing can never be altered: I shaM have lived and died an Englishman. "You must not grieve for hie, for if you really believe in religion an.l all its entails, that would be hypocrisy. "I have no fear of deat<h„ only a queer elation. I would have no other way. "The universe ia so vast and ageless that the life of one man can' only be justified by the'measure of his sacrifice. "I have just one regret, one only —that I could not devote myself to making your declining years more happy by being with you. !<