We got a message this afternoon that the 6th Battalion will leave
Falkirk for Southampton on Saturday, the time will be given us later.
So at last we are released from home service, and are to be given an
opportunity of more real usefulness; may we be found faithful when
our turn comes. Nothing else seems to matter quite so much as that.
I don't trust myself, but of course I mustn't try to do that, but
trust Another.
Side-lights upon the thoroughness of his work, and his happy
relations with those whom he worked with, are afforded by letters
from other people.
The Town Clerk of Falkirk wrote after his death:--'I can tell you he
was highly esteemed in Falkirk.' Another gentleman in Larbert, who
had come into contact with him while he was acting as Billeting
Officer for his Battalion in the district, wrote:--'His business
tact, his high sense of honour and duty, and withal the kindly and
courteous manner in which he conducted all his affairs, made it
really a pleasure to meet and do business with him.' Yet another
testimony comes through a friend:--'When Harry was at Grangemouth,
where James had been for some time, he found his memory there very
fragrant.' And an Officer in the R.A.M.C., who had been associated
with Captain Lusk at that period, wrote to him to France some time
afterwards:--'I had a call the other day from an Artillery Brigadier
(formerly in Bridge of Allan), and in conversation he expressed the
opinion that the Stenhouse Muir Stables were about the best that had
been put up anywhere. I thought you would like to hear this.'
Finally, one has glimpses into a happy little circle of friends which
formed itself during that winter, among whom James had his own place.
There are some treasured memorials of some of these friendships:--I
always felt one could never be in contact with him without feeling
one was near a very noble character.' 'He has left a beautiful and
blameless life.' 'No one can have known your son and not go through
life feeling the better for that knowledge.' 'Somehow at once one
felt his goodness and strength. It helps one to be better, I think,
just to look at and think about a friend like Captain Lusk.'