Y.M.C.A.
Canadian War Contingent Association
June 24, 1916.

Dear Miss Nicholson

I was pleased to hear that you received my letter informing you of the death of your dear brother. As you say they are cruel words to have to [?] & God alone knows what a [?] it is for one to [?] harm. We were out of reach about a mile and a half behind the firing line when the news came in that the Germans had taken some of our trenches. We were at once ordered up and arrived in the trenches at daybreak and started [?] our guns to stop the german rush which we did. Your brother was hit in the forehead by a piece of shell & killed instantly. I was right by his side at the time & am sure he suffered not the slightest pain. I could not do much then but wrapped his body up & laid at one side of the trench. Later his body was taken out & buried at Transport Farm which is about a mile behind the firing line where a big cemetery has been made. Again sympathising with your mother and self on your great loss.

Yrs Sincerely
[?] Lane