|
This letter shows a mother's desire to honor
her sons, one of which was killed on July 1, 1916 and the other on
September 28, 1917 by enquiring if she should have received a second
Memorial Card in commemoration of her second son that was killed. Often
times receiving these Memorial Cards and their sons medals were the only
keepsakes that they had of their sons that were lost to war and meant the
world to those that were left behind as it was a lasting memory of their
sons role in the war and how they had paid the supreme sacrifice for
freedom. The letter below also shows the mother's continued patriotism to
King and Country is still very strong despite having lost two sons in the
war.
*************************************************************
Ladle Cove
Fogo District
April 30th/18
W.W. Halfyard, Esq.
Acting Colonial Secretary
St. John’s
Dear Sir,
In such times as these, when our country, yea, when
every person in this Island home of ours, is being asked to do all that is
in his or her power to stand up for the cause of Right and Justice, I
think it a honour, though a very severe loss, to be able to say I had sons
who were willing to give their lives in order to “Keep the old Flag
flying.”
When I read of others who have given their all, I
feel that I am not alone. I have indeed given my all, being the mother of
two sons, who have made the Supreme sacrifice for King and Country.
Although its such a heavy blow, I feel proud of them and know that they
will never fill dishonoured graves.
For my dear boy “Pte. Harold G Coish,” whose name was
added to the Roll of Honour, as missing on that memorable July 1st
1916, I have received a Certificate and Memorial Card from the Patriotic
Association.
I had another dear boy, who made the supreme
sacrifice on September 28th 1917 “Pte. William C Coish.”
I would like to know if a Certificate is given for
each soldier, if so I should very much like to have one in memory of my
other dear boy as well.
If you would give me any information regarding it, I
shall be very much obliged.
I remain,
Yours faithfully,
Mrs. William Coish
Source: GN 2.14.134 The Rooms, Provincial Archives,
St. John's, NL
|
