Mexborough and Swinton Times, June 1916
Wombwell Man in Heavy Fighting
Officer Killed by his Side
Private Jack Gaunt, Northumberland Fusiliers
Mrs Gaunt, of George St, Wombwell has received the following letter, from Private Jack Gaunt, her son who is in the Northumberland Fusiliers in France:
“Just a few lines in answer to your letter, hoping you are in good health, as it leaves me fairly knocked up. We have been through a week of heavy fighting, which started on 22 April and lasted to the following Saturday. In the whole time we never had our boots off. It was wonderful how the boys kept their spirits up.
On Friday I was in a terrible battle, which started our past 11 at night and continue while we were relieved. Our lads were going mad to charge – shell after shell flew amongst us, and I’m sorry to tell you my officer, poor Mr Swinney, was killed. I was at his side when it happened, so I was a bit lucky to escape with a terrible shock and two or three knocks on the legs, but Mr Swinney was badly mutilated. He was killed at 11:30 PM on Friday for 25th. I got my legs bandaged up at the dressing station, and then went back to get his belongings packed up to send home.
They are now resting up and feeding us up so we shall not be long before we are in the trenches again. The men are all ‘down’about Mr Swinney for he was absolutely fearless, and put spirit into the men by laughing and joking and being with them in all danger. He was given orders to his men when he was killed, and when the news went through it caused a sensation, for he was respected by both officers and men.
The Col sent for me to give him particulars, and he was in an awful way about it.
I have had a chance of a stripe but Andrew Duffy has heard nothing more of the recommendation. I would sooner stick with the boys.”