PRIVATE JAMES CRAIG
  

797181 -- Son of Mr. Robert Craig, formerly of Simcoe, was reported killed in action in last week's Reformer. 

He enlisted and went overseas with the 133rd Battalion. 
On going to France he joined the 4th Battalion.

The following letter from his platoon commander has been received by the family of the dead soldier. 
 

France, 22 Oct 1918

Dear Friend, -- It is with great sorrow that I write to advise you of the death of your son, James, on 
20 Oct 1918.

He was in No. 15 Platoon, of which I am in charge, and all his comrades thought so highly of his bravery and skill in war. I always found him a capable and very efficient soldier, and regret his death sincerely, as your son was so cool and reliable, and very brave.

It was a very unfortunate business that your son was killed and three others wounded by one shell. Our company was in battalion reserve and was moving up when a shell burst close to us, hitting four of my boys. 
I was about 10 yards from him and immediately went back to see if he could be carried out, but death was before me. A piece of shrapnel hit him over the heart and death was instantaneous.

This occurred on the outskirts of Hanson, on the right bank of the River Scarpe, on the 20th day of October, and he was buried in Hanson Cemetery on the 21st of October, along with some other Fourth Battalion boys. There was a nice quiet church burial service read by the chaplain, and a number of your late son's friends were in attendance with me. The Fourth Battalion will erect 
a cross to the memory of its heroes killed in action.

My brother officers and men join with me in extending to you our heartfelt sympathy in your great loss and trust God will make your load easy and help to lighten your burden.

If I can be of any further assistance, please consider my services at your entire disposal.

Yours very sincerely,
A. B. Harris, Lieut.,
4th Canadian Bn.
 
 

Mr. Robert Craig, whose only son James was killed in France a year ago last October, and who had until a few days ago had received but meagre information regarding the location of the young soldier's grave, has received a letter from Miss Marg. Sacre, Hanson, France, giving details regarding the young man's death.

tThe letter, in part, says: "On Oct. 19th a Canadian soldier fell wounded by a bullet. Four other soldiers were sent to help him back. He died on Monday. I imagine that your son was one of the four.

"On Monday, October 20th, your son was killed in his turn, but no one knew any details of his death. 

"The first soldier interred alone, and the four others, with whom your son was buried, repose together.

"A picture of the grave has been taken and a copy will be sent to your address immediately."