Quite a number of letters of sympathy have been received by Mrs. Bennett all testifying in touching terms to the young soldiers excellent qualities and the regret of the whole company at his untimely death. He was only 20 years old, worked at the Prince of Wales Colliery, and enlisted in the local "Terriers" in October last year. His brother James, is with the Royal Field Artillery and his sister is the wife of Sergt. Bell, D.C.M., of the 2nd KOYLI.

Capt. T.G Mackenzie ... It is with the most sincere regret that I have to inform you of the death of your son, who was killed yesterday morning (Nov 20th) by a shell. I have always found him to be a good and willing soldier, and a favourite with everyone, and his death is deeply regretted by the whole Company. Please accept their and my most sincere sympathy.

Co.Sergt-Major Suthers ... It is with the deepest regret I have to break the news of the death of your son. ... He has been in my Company for about four months, and has always been an excellent soldier and done his duty in a very manly way, fearing nothing; and it may be a little consolation to you that he died serving his God, his King and his Country for the rights of the world. Also he knew no pain, for his death was instantaneous.  ... Although this will be a severe blow to you, may God give you strength to bear it. It must be gratifying that your son died an hero's death whilst there are still so many slackers at home. May he rest in peace.

Sergt J.H. Livsey... I have always found him a good worker, and fine soldier, always fearless and true and a good comrade, willing and ready to do anything, no matter how dangerous; and his death has plunged the whole platoon into the deepest regret.

Pvt Joseph Hirlam ... We had just come out of the trenches and were in our billets when a few shells came over, and Jack was unfortunate enough to be one of the unlucky ones.  He was a good lad always humorous and never realising danger. I and the Ponte Boys send our deepest sympathy in your sad bereavement. He was only a slip of a lad but he volunteered to come out and do his bit with me and Dodson. I was lucky enough to scatter out, and so was Dodson, and it will be a good thing for those who are left to tell the tale when it is all over. Although we just murmur "Poor old Jack" we know that grief and sorrow will never bring him back, so cheer up, poor old Mother, and let your heart be glad to know he was a fine young soldier - one of the best we had.

Pvt H.J. Dodson ... Jack and I came out of the trenches along with the battalion on Friday evening for a few days in reserve at a little village a short distance away. After a good night's rest we had breakfast, and a few minutes later they started to shell us and we had to run for safety. I told John to follow me, but we were cut off by the shells and many were hit, my very best pal Jack was missing at night when the roll was called, and this morning word was brought that he was dead. You have my deepest sympathy and that of all his pals, for he was well liked by all the lads. He always did his duty well and heartily, and never shirked at any moment.

Pvt T. Huntington ... I can assure you that no one ever went out with a better heart, or more cheerfully did his share of the work under the awful conditions they had to put up with. You may rest assured from what I know of him that he would meet his death bravely; and he has now to be placed on the roll of Britain's heroes who have died as only Britons can.

Paul Betteridge