Mexborough and Swinton Times, June 1916

Died Nobly
Comrade’s Tribute to a Wombwell hero
Private Chris Marshall
(York and Lancs)

Mr Marshall, 55 George Square, George Street, Wombwell, has received the following letter concerning the death in action of her husband, Private C Marshall, of the Barnsley battalion (Y and L):

“It is with the utmost regret that I have to write to you under such sad circumstances on behalf of our platoon, will offer you their heartfelt sympathy and the loss of your dear husband. I can assure you we feel the loss very much, as his cheery, smiling face had made him something of a pet, much loved and respected by every man in the platoon.

We know only too well that no compensation can ever pay you for the a irreparable loss, but we feel assured it will be some consolation to know that he did not suffer, death being instantaneous.

He was hit by a piece of shell during a heavy bombardment, which our own artillery started at 12 o’clock midnight. The German artillery fly by bombarding our trenches, and for two hours there was not such an infernal fire as we do not wish to see again. Your dear husband was in the first line trenches at the time, and if it is any consolation to you, you can rest assured that he was doing his duty, and die the death of a soldier fighting for his country’s freedom in a most just and noble cause.

We sincerely hope that God in His mercy will assist you to bear the burden cast upon you.

We remain, yours in sympathy, Sgt Stanyon, Corporal G Armitage, Private J Taylor, Private GH Crabtree, Private J Beasley, Private J Cooper, Private T Doughty and Private J.Lovett.”