Private Charles Logan, “D” Coy. 10th ( Service ) Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers. He was killed in Belgium in the Ypres Salient on 6th June 1917 aged 26. He was the son of James and Mary Logan of Crookham, Cornhill and is buried in Wytschaete Military Cemetery, Flanders, Belgium. His headstone is inscribed ” Age Shall Not Wither”.
Private Charles Logan
- First World War
Commentary
Dear Mrs Logan
It is with deepest sympathy and with sad feelings that I write to you concerning the death of your Son No 14428 Pte. C. Logan D”coy, 10th Northumberland Fusiliers – killed in action on the night of June 5th. This letter will be reaching you after the War Office notification.
When your Son met his death he was on his way out of the trenches, and with his two inseparable pals he was killed instantaneously by a shell. Any of his few effects will be sent along to you, and in due course you will receive a description of the burial ground where your son is laid to rest. This will be forwarded by the Graves Committee. Our O. C. coy attended his funeral when he was laid to rest in a quiet little spot behind the line.
It seems such cold comfort, such poor set of phrasing of words to ask you to accept the sympathy of my platoon and myself in this your great sadness. It is always so very hard to write these letters, but particularly so in this sad case. We all feel our loss too. The other lads of the platoon have lost a real comrade – a pal amongst pals – and I have lost in him a member of my platoon who could not be beaten for cheerfulness and all-round bravery. Yours is the greater loss and sorrow but we who miss him so much ask you to accept our deepest sympathy. May God help you to bear this great sorrow.
I am
Yours faithfully
Wm Swindell 2nd Lieutenant.
The letter above is an official letter from Charles’ commanding officer.
The letter dated 29.4.15 is written by a friend of Tom’s. Often a friend’s letter reached home before the official communication.
