'I had the honour to know your son in the regiment for a long time,
but since mobilization he and I had been brought close together by
our work, and I can say with pride that never did I meet a finer man.
He was universally loved by us all, and by all he came in contact
with. His death is a very heavy loss to you, but may I assure you
that no death could have been nobler--he died, as he lived, a true
hero. His memory will ever be cherished and honoured by the regiment
he served so faithfully--his loss will leave a blank in the lives of
his fellow Officers for many a long day.'