LETTER TO MRS. EARLE FROM MAJOR BEATTIE (IN FRANCE) MARCH 16, 1915

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Earle:

Long before you get this you will have the sad news of George's death. The dear boy was shot through the heart and three others through the head, all within a few minutes of each other. As I think I told you in my last letter all about it, I just want to add now that I saw the Priest attached to the adjoining Brigade that they have special dispensation regarding R.C. Boys who may be buried by Protestant chaplains, and that it is all right. I asked him if he would say a prayer over his grave.
The grave will be marked with a cross of distinctive Canadian pattern so that when one enters a cemetery one can tell at once where they are. (Mr. Beattie here drew a picture of a cross the shape of a T with Canada and the name and number of soldier marked upon it.)
All our officers and men and his Company Captain feel deeply these loses, but we feel that he did not fight in vain.
You may tell Father Murry for me that your boy, and every other, who lives or dies in the trenches is a hero and deserves the Martyr's crown.
Believe me, my dear Mrs. Earle, Cobourg boys who are in the trenches have a very warm place in my heart and when I can do them any service I do it with a special fervor.
I am, your friend in sorrow,
W. BEATTIE.
P. S. - Just now we are not allowed to give name of place, but I will keep a record of where he is buried and tell you later. W.B.
[Note: Private Earle was the first Cobourg boy to be killed in action]