The following item was published in Cambridge Independent Press,

Friday, 5 October 1917, p.5 “News was received yesterday (Thursday)

by Mrs M. C. Metcalfe of 6 North Terrace, Trumpington, that her

husband, Pte Michael Charles Metcalfe, Cambs Regiment, had been

killed during an attack in France on Wednesday, September 26th. The

following letter announcing the death has been received from

Corporal A. H. Merry of Cherryhinton, Cambs Regiment: “Dear Mrs

Metcalfe. It is with deep regret and heartfelt sympathy that I write

these few lines to inform you of your dear husband’s death. He was

killed by a sniper during an attack which we made on September 26th.

I was standing beside him at the time. I am quite certain that he

suffered no pain. His belongings I am sending to you. I can assure

you that Charles was a great chum of all in the company and that

everyone here will miss him greatly. He was every inch a soldier, and

he is now resting in peace with some more of his brave comrades,

who have made the great sacrifice. I cannot express to you my

sincere sympathy enough, as he and I were the greatest chums, but I

trust that God will bear you up under the great strain of your sad

bereavement.” Pte. Metcalfe was 32 years of age, and leaves a widow

and six children (ages 11 years to 1). Previous to enlistment he was

employed as gardener to Mr Hopkinson, Adams Road, Cambridge.

Two of his brothers have been killed in the present war.”

My Grandmother was the one year old who never knew her father.

Louise Butterworth