It’s a letter to my grandmother Mary Elliot about my grandfathers passing ( Wilfred Arthur Elliot) from an officer with Wilfred’s troop. He tells my grandmother that he was with my grandfather at the end.
“The only thought that may alleviate your grief is that he did his duty always, and that God spared him suffering by taking him before the too unbearable hardships overtook us”
He also writes …..
“His last journey was as fine as we could make it. The floral tributes from his many friends were beautiful tropical flowers. He lies at rest in one of the more beautiful spots on the island a well cared for garden of rest beautiful trees and flowers bloom all year round so many of our fallen have no such last Haven so Mrs Elliot my sympathy reaches out to you anything I can do for you please let me know, goodbye and may God comfort you and your children.”
I’ve had the letter since my mother passed away and she had it from when her mother passed. Although I didn’t know my grandfather, I’m humbled that a ranking officer took the time to write to my grandmother. What a kind gesture.
I also have this letter from my grandfather Wilf to his wife and children (one of whom was my mother). He’s wishing them all a happy Christmas. The envelope has Japanese stamps on it. I can’t make out the date. He was a POW in Singapore.
