PTE. JNO. W. GARDNER
KILLED IN ACTION

Young Ottawa Soldier Wrote Cheerful Letter to His Father Eve of His Death

Sad news of the death of a young Ottawa man who has made the final sacrifice in the fulfillment of his duty has been received by the relatives of Pte. John W. Gardner, a former well-known employee of the American Bank Note Company. He was killed in Action on Jan. 3.

Pte. Gardner enlisted here with the 77th Battalion and was transferred when that unit was broken up in England and sent to the front in drafts. He was almost six months in the trenches. Prior to going overseas he was a member of the 77th Bugle Band.

The late Pte. Gardner had been employed by the American Bank Note Company for eight years as a plate printer. He resided with his sister Mrs. G Brown at 443 McLeod street. His father, Mr. Saml. Gardner, and his brother, Mr. Saml Gardner, junr., reside at 343 Flora street. Pte. Gardner was an adherent of Stewarton Presbyterian Church and a member of the Orange Young Britons. Before war broke out he was in the Guards Bugle Band.

Wrote on the Eve of His Death

His last letter to his father was written on the day before his death. The letter, dated "In the trenches, Jan. 2," reads:

"The trenches are knee-deep in mud and water, so you will have an idea of the conditions under which we are living. It's a tough job in weather like this. I got a parcel the other day, and the mitts you sent me. Thanks very much: they come in useful in the trenches.

Well, there is all kinds of talk going on now in the papers about peace, but there is no sign of it as far as I can see. I don't think there can be any agreement until Germany admits herself beaten and agrees to the allies' terms. War is not so bad as long as the weather keeps dry, but we get our share of rain here in France. But I always try to keep cheerful, for it's the only way. It does no good grumbling, all you can do is make the best of it.

Did you get the cards I sent to you at Christmas? I hope you had a pleasant time on Christmas day. By the time next Christmas is here I hope the war will be over and that I will be back again in Ottawa and home. There's no place like home, dad.

Sunday here is just the same as any other day; it makes no difference. Do you still attend Stewarton? Remember me to Rev. Mr. McIlroy the next time you see him. I was well looked after this Christmas in the way of letters and parcels. I never knew I had so many friends. I got lots of chocolate and that's one thing I appreciate here. Chocolate and cake cheer a fellow a whole lot. I must close now, with a happy New Year to all."