(photographs spring 2010) 

9th April, 1916 

Dear Mrs Hall,

I regret to say that our fears were justified. Your husband passed away yesterday evening at 9.15. He had a peaceful end. The funeral took place this afternoon. At 2.15 he was borne out of the hospital on the little burial car wheeled by his comrades. No coffin is used at the Front, but instead a plaid or blanket is sewn round the body by a soldier's hand: and over all the Union Jack is spread. At the grave side the Union Jack was laid aside and 6 comrades lowered the body into the grave. Then we uncovered our heads and I conducted a simple Scottish ceremony. The grave is at LIJSSENTHOEK 1 1/2 mls. south of POPERINGHE and on the road to BOESHEPE. A Cross is being erected to mark the spot so that it will never be lost sight of while men can admire a brave man's end.

(Extract from the letter written by William J.Baxter, Chaplain, n°10 C.C.S, addressed to Mrs. Hall. Her husband William John Hall, Scots Guards, died in the hospital at Lijssenthoek on the 8th April 1916)