“I HAVE DONE MY DUTY."

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 89, 16 August 1915, Page 6

“I HAVE DONE MY DUTY."

OFFICER’S LAST LETTER FROM THE BATTLEFIELD..

The following inspiring letter from the son of Colonel Viola nd is reproduced here'. It breathes so magnificent a spirit of patriotism that it seehis to deserve world-wide publicity : My dear father,—lf this letter reaches you, you will have ,h,ad the honor'of having your son,killed by the. enemy. I was yesterday proposed for promotion and for, the,Cr,os.s of Legion of Honor. .1 do not think t have done {anything to deserve such a reward, •for I have only (jo.ne niy duty. • Jf I dip, know that I shall die happy, wifehallt»regiet,, pr 91$ of havjiiig, mi,xed my lilood jwith that which so ; many heroes, before; me haVeslied that ! France;, ipay be |njim;e beautiful aiidj ipore .respited. L.shall die, if God, wills,;, a good | Christian "aVic! ''a'' jg'cidd Frenchman. My last thought will he or mother, whom I shall have rejoined; of you, my Mear father, who are so brave; of my poor little sweetheart; hut I wish my hist hreffth ( to whisper, “Vive la Eraiice-f’-h-Vour son. Camille Violancl. . i Lieutenant Yiol,and) fiW was' twen-ty-three | ,year ( s old, was killed > sojhfr 1 ■days:later, •.hefflrp < M'esnil-les : rinrliis. , ‘,