ROLL OF HONOUR.

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 July 1918, Page 3

ROLL OF HONOUR.

E. MONTAGUE. A letter written by the late Corporal W. A. Rundle to the parents of the late Elwocd Montague has been handed to ns for publication. The letter is of pathetic interest as it wag written by Corporal Rundle only a short time before he was killed in action. My dear Mrs Montagu,—Long ere this letter. reaches you the sad news of your son's death will have been cabled to you, and I am writing these few lines, some details of your Elwood's end. Unfortunately I did not have the opportunity of meeting him, as I only joined up his company the faay after the sad event, but I cannot resist the wish to write you telling you of the deep esteem, indeed affection, he was held in by his officers and the men under him. I had a con-* versation to-day with his platoon officer, a Mr Roy, who is, I think, writing you also, and also I saw some members of tho Lewis gun section that he had charge of. He was exceedingly and worthily popular with all ranks, and Mr Roy tells me he would have been recommended for a decoration, had he lived, for .the brilliant work he did, especially on the day when the Germans attacked us. At a critical time he worked his men to great advantage, and was absolutely fearless and regardless of himself—he freely exposed himself in the interests of his men. And unforunatoly his absolute fearlessness and bis bravery made him a target for an enemy sharp-shooter or sniper, who fired and the bullet, struck his chest. He lingered only a few seconds, and he was only able to pay: "I'm going, write home bovs," and" with these last few words, his young life passed away. I am_sorry to re-open your sufferng, but thought you would like to know the manner of his death, his last words were of "home," and his men and the other officers, sergeants and corporals have asked me to convey their heartfelt sympathy in your ss'd loss. After all, you should be proud, and I would like you'to hear his cor.-KT.rv* speak of him. He has given his youn? life in a grand and noble cause for his King and country and liberty, and has left behind among his comrades a shining example of uprightness and honour, a deep se.-pe of dutv and a fearless bravery in the of the enemy. His company did nibie work that clay and in the following fearful davs, but they did work that when properly known and appreciated will make New Zealanders prouder of their sons than

ever they were before. They filled a gap at a moment's notice under trying critical conditions, and beat back an enemy probably tenfold in numbers. That your son did his part so faithfully in that eventful week's work, must always be a source of great jov to yourself and family, and to pome extent nssuage the grief of losing such a noble lad. I am reminded of that poem containing the words, And how can man die better. Than facing fearful odds, For the ashes of his fathers And the temples of his gods. Because those words typefy in a modern R en«e how and why vour dear son died. He and our other New Zealanders are freely giving their young lives that the future generation of our own beautiful oountrv in common with our beloved Motherland and Allies may work out their destinies under that noble heritage of libcrtv and justice. That has been bequeathed to us by our forefathers. Your con wa« lovjnglv known as "Monty anions his men. and they sincerely m<?»™ p good comrade, companion and leader. Kindly cive mv personal sympathy to nil. I am writing Ernest by this mail alsosome dav. Hod willing. I hope to meet you all agaui and give you* farther particulars- ____-^—