Letters From the Front

Dated: May 24, 1915

DEATH WAS INSTANTANEOUS

Later News Tells How Alex. Ferguson Was Killed

John Ferguson has received the following letter from Sergt. F. Halls, explaining how his brother, Pte. Alex. Ferguson, who enlisted with the first contingent in Calgary, met his death on the battlefield:

Dear Sir - I write these few lines in connection with Pte. A. Ferguson, No. 13736, 5th Batt., Canadian Overseas Contingent, whom I think is your brother. I am sorry to say that he has met with his death on the battlefield near Festubert. His death was instantaneous, as he was shot through the head. He was lying between the Germans' first line of trenches and their second. We took over the trenches on May 31st. We buried him on June 1st. Our men who buried him gave me four photographs, a diary, and his cigarette case, which was full, and is still the same. I am forwarding the photographs and scraps of a letter that were in his pocket. I will send the diary and case on as soon as you let me know that you have received this. I do not doubt that he gave a good account of himself, and he got so far in the attack, which was successful.

Well, I must conclude this bad news to you, and trust that you will not think me too forward in writing these few lines. I remain, yours, F. HALLS.

Mrs. Duncan Ferguson has also received a letter from Alex., written May 24th, just two days before his death. He says:

"We were relieved this morning at 2 o'clock, after 36 hours of perfect hell. A lot of my friends are gone and Dixon, who was in hospital with me, was shot in the head. McGregor and I carried him out to the dressing station, and the doctor told me he had a chance. It took us about three hours to get him out, and I hope he lives. We held the trench against quite a number of Germans. It was a very hot cannon fire, but I am without a scratch."

The fate of war, however, decreed that just two days later Alex. was to receive a similar wound to his friend, but of a more serious character, and death was instantaneous.