"B.E.F., France. 30/'/17.
Ur DEAR DAD,—This letter is being written on the eve of our • going over the top in a big attack. It is only because I know by this time what are the odds against one's returning unhurt that I write it. It will only be sent in the event of nay being killed in action. Ton, I know, my dear Dad, will bear the shock as bravely as you have always borne the strain of my being out here : yet I should like, if possible, to help you to carry on with as stout a heart as I hope to jump ' the bags.' I believe I have told you before that I do not fear death itself : the `Beyond' has no terrors for me. I am quite content to die for the cause for which I have given up nearly three years of my life, and I only hope that I may meet death with as brave a front as I have seen other men do before. My one regret is that the opportunity has been denied me to repay you to the best of my ability for the lavish kindness and devoted- Ilea which you have always shown me. I bud hoped to do so in the struggle of life. Now, however, it may be that I hare done no in the struggle between life and dentin, between England and Germany, Liberty and Slavery. In qny case, I shall have done nay duty in any little way. Well, Dud, please carry on with a good heart. Then I shall be quite content. Good-bye, dearest of Fathers . . . Good-bye, E. and G. . . . May you all reap the benefits of this great war and keep cheery and happy through life.
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