TAIHAPE HERO’S FALL.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 14 March 1917, Page 4

TAIHAPE HERO’S FALL.

HIS OFFICER’S APPRECIATION, Mrs. J. T. Matthews, of Utiku, has received a very sympathetic letter on the death of -her son in Fierce, from the officer commanding tie batterj in which he was sergeant. Mrs. Matthews has had three sons enli&t, twe having gone all through the Gallipol: campaign. One was killed at Galli poli, and James, the one now referrec to, was killed in France, and his death being vividly described in th< letter. The third son to enlist is nov in the trenches, and as Mrs. Matthew; has only recently lost her husband he cup of trouble has been very full. Foi lowing is the letter recently received FRANCE, Dec 11, 1916. My dear Mrs. Matthews— It is wit heartfelt sorrow that I confirm thß sad news of the death of your son il Sergt. James J. Matthews of the H2t| Howitzer Battery, A.P.A., which tool place on December 10, 1916 at Fieri in France. Death was instantaneoul and was caused by a German she] striking and bursting in the gun pi where your son was, in company will two other members of the batterl who were sitting down waiting for hi gun to open fire. Th e explosion wl enormous, and although severely about in many parts the alone was sufficient to make death il stantaneous. The two gunners wer e with your son at the time well also killed outright. The burial vice took place at 7.30 p.m. the day, and just near the gun The services were read by the Captain C. Stevenson, in the of the officers and gunners of this tery, all cf whom are stricken grief at the loss of three such respected comrades. Your son’s to the battery is a very severe one, •his knowledge of gunnery and ability and determination at all to succeed, and his tactful manner 1| managing his sub-section made him'l very promising senior sioned officer. lam having a wooden cross made, painted with black lettering, to mark the spll ■where your son now lies, and ments are also made for the preservation of the grave. I am ing you the articles which were from his pockets, which you will proHI ably appreciate and keep as keeH sakes. Please accept my cere sympathy for your very sad ill reavement.—Yours very sinceroHj P. M. Edwards, Major.^H