Dear Mrs. Laurie, — Allow me under the sad circumstances to write and share
with you my deepest sympathy
in the loss of your son, Private Alfred Eggins. Your son was one of the
bravest and best soldiers I've had in my
platoon, always ready and willing to do all duties asked; in fact, many
times he did work voluntarily to save others
who were not quite as well as they might be.
The
blow came on me as platoon commander on April 6, when in the front line a
hostile shell fell in the hole that
your son was in, killing him and two fellow-mates instantaneously. He was
in a Lewis gun section and a better
crew never manned a gun. He did excellent work on the 3rd — three days
previously — when Fritz attacked us,
I was much hurt, losing not only eight of my boys that morning, but also had
a brother, Lieutenant F. H. Jennings, killed.
The tour was one of the worst I've experienced, but, thank God, some got
through safely, holding good our position and
keeping the enemy off. Your son was recommended for duties of the 3rd and I
hope his fortune to gain some decoration
comes through.
Well, Mrs. Laurie, as platoon commander I feel it my duty to write you and
all other parents (13 of my platoon
who lost sons and husbands), trusting you feel easier with what news I've
sent. I almost forgot to mention that
we buried your son as the last esteem we could show under the circumstances.
Again expressing mine and the boys of No. 5 platoon's sympathy,
Sincerely yours,
Lieut. L. N. JENNINGS,
B Coy., 46th.