Dear Mrs Ray,
I received you letter and was pleased you gave me a few particulars of Joe. I had the Whitehaven News sent this morning and read the account of it. I guessed they had been into it again. It is hard to be killed after the good work they boys have done and were just waiting to be relieved. I know what it's like waiting for relief after a hard battle. It's like the poster that used to be up - "Will they never come?". I am sorry it happened especially for your Mother's sake - that's what made me always feel for Joe. I only wish you had seen him, he did make out a fine young chap.
I don't know what I have felt since I received the news. At first I could hardly believe it. If ever a Battalion has had any hard fighting it is the 8th. I may tell you I've never felt happy since I left it and came to this lot - England's last hope! I would go out tomorrow to the 8th and there are not many of the old boys left - the best of them have gone now.
I hope your Mother will not make herself ill, only it's a hard blow for her as I know how she felt for him. I don't seem to mind what happens now. There are a few young single chaps in Sunny Hill who should be out. I don't mind them not joining, it shows their true spirit, only things should be divided a little, there should be someone from every house, and then all would realise war. It's the people at home who are to be pitied. Now I hope this finds you all in the best of health under the circumstances. Remember me to all.
Your sincere friend Syd.
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