This is a letter sent to Alfred parsons' mother and father from 4258 L/cpl Arthur D Evans 4th welsh. Dear mr and mrs parsons. I feel ashamed to write now after such a long delay. It has taken me much time to pluck up courage to write you a letter trying as best I can to tell you graphically how poor Alfred passed away. Before I go any further I wish to convey my condolence with you in your great trial. The morning broke with a heavy mist falling down around us. Just as this cloud began to rise we all entered a huge gully - just a deep dry river bed. Everyone was happy yet expectant. We all thought it would be a walk in. Yet it proved otherwise. At nine the order came to move. From that time we kept on marching, the signalling section being in rear. The latter kept behind the battalion the whole way. Part of this way I was detailed to take charge of the party of signallers. Not one of them fell out at all. Alfred was with us carrying wire as we all had something extra to carry. Not one of them murmured any words of grumbling but were merry until the weight of our burdens made us feel tired . By that time we had reached the plain. At the other end were the enemy. Taking rests at certain intervals we kept up behind the battalion. Everyone was quite all right. Ere long we came within rifle range. Bullets, shells and all things connected with warfare were lying about. We saw a dip and there was water in it. Our thirst drove us in there and we all drank freely not knowing when we would get our next. Yet the battalion was moving on so must we up.. All jumped and carried on. We were now about six to eight hundred yards from the enemy. The dust was flying high when the bullets were hitting the ground. The sergeant and I were in front. As we walked along I looked back. Suddenly something hit me and I knew I had been wounded. Spinning round I dropped. Although Alfred had this wire he ran to me and asked me where I had been hit. I showed him where. Down he bent towards me and was taking out his field dressing when he shouted 'oh-h!' And dropped his hands on his stomach. He groaned and with the last words 'goodbye mother ' he fell back. We could do nothing for him for within half a minute he had passed away. He was a nice boy and always willing to please. I feel indebted to the utmost degree to him for he fell as a hero trying to bandage a wounded comrade who was myself. That memory will always linger in my mind and make me always yours most sincerely 4258 L/cpl Arthur D Evans 4th welsh.

Anne Jones