137 F. Amb.
B.E.F.

Dear Mr. Shannon,

I cannot tell you how sorry all of us in this Unit were to hear of the death of your Son. He came up to the 40th Division in Sept. and was only in the Ambulance for four weeks or so, but in spite of his stay being so short we all got to know and like him so well that this awful news of his death has cast quite a gloom over our Mess.

He came to us straight from England and applied shortly after his arrival to rejoin his old Division vs the 4th I think. I did my best to get him to stay with us but he was extremely anxious to rejoin his old friends and his former Unit. He was also very keen on flying and applied to going to the R.A.F.C. as a Wing Medical Officer. However, to our great regret his application was granted and he returned to his old Division. He did very good work during the short time he was up and was full of courage. I think he was one of the happiest men I have met out here and was as straight as they are made.

I fear I am perhaps troubling you with writing, but feel that our regard and great liking can only be shown by letting you know of the deep sorrow of all here at his sad death. Major Linnell Major Powell, Lt. Reid and Lt. Mills join me in sending you their deepest sympathy.

Believe me,
Yours very sincerely,
Wm. K.H. McCullogh.
(OC 137 FA)