A TAIHAPE SOLDIER.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 263, 26 July 1915, Page 4

A TAIHAPE SOLDIER.

WHO WILL NOT RETURN, HIS OFFICIAL RECORD.

Tt will no doubt interest those of our readers who new the late Sergeant F. W. E, Overton, son of Mr. F. Overton, of Taoroa, who was killed at the Dardanelles while risking himself in trying to get others into safety, to read what the Rev. W. Grant, of Canterbury, and who is now at the front, writes to the unforutnafe lad’s father. The Rev. Mr. Grant is an old friend of the family. Also to learn what Major Dick and Lieutenant J. A. Somerville have written. Following are excerpts from their letters:—

"Shrapnel Gul'ly, '' 2/6/15'.

"Dear Mr. ancf Mrs. Overton — "Little did we dream when last we met that the d'ay would come that' I should be writing" from a foreign shorethe heavy tidings' that are being flashed across the sea.. Tliis : gully Is well--named, and yesterdhy morning your” dear boy, after warning others, was himself just a little too late in getting into the shelter of his dug-out, and was badly wounded with a shrapnel/ shell, dying in less than an hour. I closed his eyes in the last long sleep, and oh, how it grieved my heart" to see such a magnificent specimen of young manhood thus sacrificed. He was quite unconscious and therefore - did not suffer. We buried him last night' after dark in a little cemetery on the beach just below' this "until the day dawn and shadows flee away." He fell like a good soldier at the post of duty. He had the previous day and’ night come through a very hot engagement unscathed. It will comfort you to know your boy was greatly esteemed and beIbved by all his comrades. "WILLIAM GRANT, C.F."

Under date Gallipoli, 1/6/15, 6.58 a.m., Major Dick and Lieutenant. J. A. Somerville write: ‘ 'Sergeant' J. W. E. Overton, a brave and stalwart soldier, killed in the fulfilment of his duty for his King and Country. Lowed by all for his unselfishness, and the welfare of all he came in contact with'."