Dear Madam -- I
have written many letters in my time but never before under
such regrettable circumstances as I am obliged to relate to
you. I hope you have received some intimation before this of
the death of Corp. L. A. Lockman.
I was with him at the time
he was killed. We were in a bayonet charge together and got
over to the German trench. The cowards had beat it and Lew
and I went clear over the trench and lay behind a pile of
sandbags.
We had not been there half
a minute when poor Lew was hit in the head by a bullet and
killed instantly. He never spoke or even moved.
All this took place between
2:45 and 3 o'clock in the morning of May 24. I was obliged
to lie by Lew all day until dark, when he was buried. I am
feeling pretty bad about losing such a fine chum.
During the charge we had to
go over the trench the Strathconas were in, and then over
several ditches.
We chipped each other about jumping these,
and although there were bridges we jumped each trench until
we came to the last one. We went at it together, but being
a little out of breath we both dropped short.
I gave him a
lift to get out and he pulled me out.
Two minutes after I
had lost my pal. I can't find the words to express my
feelings about it.
I have some photos
belonging to him, his watch and some money. I am enclosing
pictures in this letter, and I will send the watch and money
shortly.
Finally, I would like to
extend my sincere sympathy to you all, and if at any time
you would like to know more about Lew, I will be glad to
answer you concerning him. Trusting to have a line from you,
I beg to remain, dear madam,
