OUR SOLDIERS

A FALLEN HERO.

The following letter has been received by Miss Lottie Crawford**, 40 Rankin's road, Newmarket, from a comrade (Les. J. Mayne*) regarding the death of Private L. J. Kinsman:

"Somewhere in France.

It is with regret that I write to you of the death of my greatest friend, L. J. Kinsman, who, I know, was more than a friend to you, and in your sorrow you have my deepest sympathy. He was like a brother to me, and I can hardly write this, I feel it so deeply; but it was his wish that I would write if anything happened, and I promised that I would; so I must fulfil my promise. It happened on Tuesday, 23rd July. We advanced 400 yards, but did not meet any of the enemy. The machine guns then took up positions, and under their fire we started to dig in with our entrenching tools. We then got too deep for those small tools, so we stood up and dug with spades. Les and another fellow had one spade between them, so they decided to take it in turn. His mate took first shift, then Les got up and took hold of the spade, but before he could use it he was sniped. The bullet entered the brain; it was sudden death, so he left no words. This was at 2.30 in the afternoon by our time, which is one hour ahead, making it 1.30. His remains were laid to rest by the machine gunners, and the chaplain offered a short prayer. There is one comfort. He died like a man, doing his duty. I have known Les since we left Broadmeadows."

OUR SOLDIERS. (1917, January 18). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 4 Edition: Morning.. Retrieved April 2, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74601383

** Lottie Crawford is probably the sister of Crawford J W Sapper 90 of the same address.

* 3404 Pte Leslie John Mayne, 8 Inf Bn,  enlisted on 12 July 1915, aged 18, and a farmer. 

KINSMAN. — In loving memory of my dear fiance, Les, killed in action in France, 26th July, 1916, aged 23 years.

Forget you ? No dear Les,

It was sad we had to part;

But time can never sever

The link that binds the heart.

Though cast down, we're not forsaken,

Though afflicted, not alone;

Thou didst lend, and Thou hast taken,

Blessed Lord, Thy will be done.

—Inserted by Lottie Crawford.

Family Notices. (1917, July 26). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved April 30, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155146127