ed note was of some little comfort to
you. It was written practically during the battle, so you must excuse
its apparent briefness. My poor Colonel was absolutely without fear, a
splendid example, which I am glad to say the men well followed. The
grave is within two hundred yards of the German trenches and 50 yards
from where he fell. It is now marked with the rough cross we put up,
with his name on it, but I am getting a substantial one erected
similar to those he had put up for all the regiment who have fallen
during the last four months.

As he no doubt told you, we attended the Holy Communion together only
five days before he fell.... I will have "Peace, perfect Peace" put on
the cross. His sword was sent off to Cox and Co. about the 5th, and
they will send it to you, together with all his other effects which
have been sent off. But you should write to them.

I cannot tell you how I miss him; we were so much together every day
and every night. Don't hesitate to write to ask me questions.

The first part of the fight I think he wrote and told you about; I
know he said he was engaged in writing to you, on the 11th I think it
was. The 10th was the day on which we stormed the trenches and took
Neuve Chapelle. On the 11th we did little except get shelled, as we
tried to sleep in some German trenches. On the morning of the 12th we
were again in Neuve Chapelle, and for 2-1/2 hours endured a terrific
shelling to which he paid no heed, and, as I told you, the fatal shot
came at 5.20 p.m. just as, revolver in hand, I saw him about to get
over our parapet and lead a charge. A true soldier's Death. Should I
write to his Mother? I would rather not if you can do so, but will, of
course, if you wish it. I am so sorry for you and for your poor
children.

Yours very sincerely,
W. CLINTON BAKER.

(_From the same._)

1. R.I. RIFLES
12/4/15.

I am afraid I have been a very long time answering your letter of
March 30th.

I hope you will be able to get a photograph of the grave, as Capt.
Jeffares of our fourth Battalion, now attached to the 2nd Munster
Fusiliers, who knew the Colonel well, writes that he has taken a
photograph of it and will send you one. There will probably be only a
rough cross on the grave, which we put up on the day he was burie