Soldier Record

My grandfather's cousin, Corporal Martin Gleeson, 9th Battery, 19th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery, came from Limerick, Ireland. The following is a transcript of the letter his mother received informing her that her son had been killed in action:

"17th October 1918

Dear Madam,

I very much regret to advise you on the death of your son, No.66120 Corporal. M. Gleeson, who was killed in action on the 16th October 1918. His loss is very much felt by the entire Battery; he was one of the oldest hands, and a great favourite both with the officers and men. I may say that I had put his name in for promotion to sergeant, and also recommended him for an award for gallantry, shortly before his death, and think that he would have got both the promotion and the award had he lived. I am glad to say that the poor lad suffered no pain before his death, as he, together with five other men of his detachment, were killed instantaneously by the bursting of a shell in the gun pit.

I know what a sad loss your son must be to you, and I offer you my deepest sympathy. I can say that to me, as Battery Commander the loss of men like your son is a terrible blow, not only because they are brave and true men, but also because all my lads are my friends, and their deaths hurt me more than you can imagine. Believe me dear Mrs Gleeson as your son's Battery Commander and friend.

Major A.W.Smythe,

19th Battery, Royal Field Artillery"