Mrs. Livingstone Learns How Her Son Died at Passchendaele

Lance Corporal Duncan Wallace Livingstone

Nov 7th 1917

Mrs. Livingstone
Asbestos, Quebec
Canada

Dear Mrs Livingstone

Before this reaches you, you will have heard of the death of your son L/Corpl Duncan Wallace Livingstone, 110325,. C Coy 5th CMR, who was killed in action during our attack on Passchendeale Ridge October 30th 1917.

We had reached our intermediate objective, when your son who was firing from an exposed position on Germans who were retaliating met his fatality through a piece of shrapnel entering his brain. Death following immediately.

Your son's loss has been a very great loss to me. As he was one of my best Gunners. His place will be very difficult to fill and a nobler soldier cannot be found. His quiet disposition and coolness had earned for him the admiration of all ranks who looked upon him as an example of all that a good soldier should be. And I pray God to allay your sorrow and lighten the grief which I am sure you will bear nobly for the sake of so noble a son.

The officers, NCOs and men of my company join with me in offering you our very sincere sympathy in your loss.

His personal effects and back pay will be forwarded to you through the official Channels.

I am

Yours Very Sincerely

G.R. Pearkes

Major
CC. C Coyrts.

Source: The Canadian Letters & Images Project