B.E.F
France July 5th, 1916

Dear Mrs. Ayre

It is with the greatest sorrow that I am writing to tell you of the death of your son Captain B. P. Ayre of my Battln- He was killed while gallantly leading his company into action in the advance on July 1st. He was killed outright so suffered no pain- he is a very great loss both to myself & the Regiment as he was a very able officer & much loved by us all & his men were devoted to him be miss him every moment of the day as he had been with us from the early days when the Regt was raised- He was buried  in a small cemetery near the Battlefield & to have erected a temporary cross over him, until we hear your wishes to this matter. His watch & the few things to him were collected by a brother officer & will be sent- you in due course. Words with these circumstances are but poor consolation the please accept our deepest sympathy in your great loss.

Yours very sincerely

Ferguson

Commanding, 8th Norfolk Regt.

Source: Centre for Newfoundland Studies Archives, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL

 

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