GODLEY'S OPINION OF YOUNG SCREATON

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 12 August 1915, Page 3

GODLEY'S OPINION OF YOUNG SCREATON

Gallipoli Peninsula, June 20th, 1915

Reginald Screaton, Esq.,

Dear Sir, —I have been meaning to write a line to you, to offer you my sincerest condolences on the death of your brother, but waited to do so until I could definitely ascertain some details of his death. My particular reason for writing to you is that, up to two days before his death, he commanded my personal escort, and, in that capacity, endeared himself to all of us with whom he came in contact. I thought he was a particularly promising young officer, and it was for that reason that, when his regiment was ordered to go South to help in one of the attacks on Cape Helles, that I let him go with it, in order that he might have an opportunity of distinguishing himself. I am glad to be able to tell you that he was shot through the head and killed instantaneously while leading his men to the attack. I hope it may be some consolation to you and his friends and relations to know that he did his duty well, and was highly thought of by all in his company and by me, for whom he performed much personal service.— Yours faithfully,

ALEX. GODLEY, Major-General, Com. N.Z. Expeditionary Force