Wilson Graham - Tuesday 31st October 1916

In Hospital, Sussex. 

Dear Mrs Thompson, & Family,

I have heard the sad news from home of poor Joe, and I wish to tell you all how awfully sorry I am, and to extend to you all my heartfelt sympathy - not that it is much use to you in your sad loss.  But I pray God will comfort all of you in your bereavement. 

I don't think anyone in the Battalion knew Joe as well as I did.  I had a letter from him about three weeks ago, and he spoke about having it hot after I left on 3rd July but he said they were having a good long rest at the time of writing.  I remember well the morning of 3rd July when I was wounded.  Joe came up while they were bandaging my foot, and he shook hands and wished me the best of luck.  Little did I think I'd never see him more. 

Well I may only add to your grief by writing so I will conclude.  Again hoping that God will comfort you all. 

I remain, Yours very sincerely Wilson Graham. 

Syd - Undated

Cowlarnes Camp

Dear Mrs Thompson,

I have just heard the sad news about your loving Son Joe having been killed in action.  It was a great shock to me when I heard.  I wish I had still been with them all, so that I might have been able to tell you all about it. 

You may not know, but when I was out there, and we were in action, I always prayed that Joe would come safely through.  I would have given my life for Joe as he was a true Briton and I know he will have died fighting to the last.  I know it is hard to bear the great Sacrifice you have made in losing two of the best sons anyone could wish for, only you must try and keep up and not make yourself ill, as that would be the last thing they would wish for. 

I sincerely hope John will never have to go out any more.  You have my deepest sympathy in your Great Sacrifice. 

Your sincere friend, Sid Park

Miller Irving - Saturday 28th October 1916

In the Field. 

My dear Mrs Thompson,

It is with great regret that I write you these few lines expressing my condolence at the loss of your dear Son and my comrade Joe.  He fell with the younger of the Wilson boys in the attack last Sunday.  His death comes as a great loss to one and all in the Battalion as he was one of its original 8th. 

May God grant you comfort and solace in this your great hour of need.  With deepest sympathy to all,

I remain, Ever you sincerely Miller

W.G. Gill - Tuesday 24th October 1916

Dear Mrs Thompson,

You will no doubt be surprised to have a letter from me, but I am writing to inform you of poor Joe.  He was killed on Sunday evening last.  We were over the top again on Saturday morning and had a great time.  We obtained our objective and then went about half a mile over the German lines, captured some artillery and put one of their guns out of action.  Altogether I believe we had as many prisoners as we had men in the attack.  When we retired to our objective, which was a trench, I looked for Joe and saw him coming up the hill.  We shouted to him to hurry and he was soon with us.  All that day was spent in consolidating work. 

The next morning we were to be relieved, but the new division did not arrive until evening and it was half an hour or less before that, when poor Joe was killed along with Pte Robert Wilson who was standing beside him.  Two of us, including myself were buried by the same shell.  When we were dug out we immediately stepped over towards where we knew they were, and found both dead.  They suffered no pain.  Both received a soldier's grave.  Sergeant Joseph Wilson and I recovered some photographs, correspondence &c and handed them over to the Coy. Quarter Master Sergeant who will no doubt be writing to you.  Joe has been my closest companion ever since war broke out in 1914.  He was an excellent soldier and is missed by all, especially the Lewis Gun Section. 

A parcel arrived for him yesterday and was disposed of in the usual way.  Jack Brewster and the remainder of the company including myself wish to express our sincere sympathy in your great loss. 

I am, Yours truly, W.G. Gill

Sunday 22nd October 1916

Joe was killed in action on 22nd October 1916

Joe - Wednesday 11th October 1916

Dear Mother,

I received all your letters, and I got the photograph also a P. Order from Sarah.  We are out of the trenches again and have been for a few days.  I have not received my parcel this week yet.  I usually get one on Mondays, but I think our mail is delayed these few days.  I had a parcel waiting for me when I came out of the trenches.  Syd will likely be in England for a bit, but as a rule they don't keep chaps long in England who have been out before.  I expect John will be home for a few days soon.  Father's holiday will likely be over.  I have plenty of socks and everything else.  We are having fairly decent weather, it seems to have taken up, it was just like Summer today.  Well I've no more news at present so must close.  Hoping this finds you all well 

With Best Love to All, Your affectionate son Joe. 

Joe - Wednesday 4th October 1916

Dear Mother,

I have just found time to write.  I've not received my parcel, but we had no mail yesterday.  We are near the line again and we will be going into the trenches soon.  I've sent a few field cards off to you now and again.  I won't have any chance to getting any letters away for a while now, but I will send field cards.  Did Father never get my letter?  I will write to him again when I get time.  I was pleased Thompson had got exemption a bit longer.  It won't be long till Winter sets in.  I've heard nothing from Lowca yet, but don't suppose I'll hear from them.  I had two papers from Uncle Tom and a letter from Tom.  Well I have no more news so must close.  Hoping this finds you all well. 

With best love to all, Joe