Letter to George Paulin, Victoria from WPC Leonard, Chaplain to the forces

 

May 10, 1918,

No 23 Squadron, Royal Air Force

 

Dear Mr Pauline,

It is with deep sympathy that I write to you about the great loss which you have been called upon to bear in the death of your son while flying.

I can assure you that every member of the Squadron shares your sorrow to the uttermost, and feels for you sincerely in this overwhelming loss.

Your boy made many friends among us, and earned the very highest opinion and admiration as a pilot.  He was absolutely fearless, and had he been spared, I am certain would have made a great name.

The Commanding officer, Major Bryant, will probably have told you, as he told me, that he looked upon your boy as his best and stoutest hearted pilot.

It was excess of keenness and enthusiasm which really caused his death, for he was trying to do a difficult climbing turn, when the machine crashed to the ground, killing your son instantly.

We laid him to rest this afternoon in the British Cemetery near St Omer, and as soon as possible a cross made out of a propeller will be erected to his memory.  The Co. and all officers who were not on duty came to the service, in which we laid his earthly remains to rest, and commended his brave soul to the keeping of Him who also gave his life to pay the price of a purer and better world.

Out here we begin to understand that death, is not the end; it is but the gateway of a fuller and more perfect life.  One day we shall meet again in that promised land where death is swallowed up in victory.

I know that no words of mine can relieve your grief, but I hope that God will comfort you and give you pride in the greatness of the sacrifice which your boy has laid on the Altar of Patriotism.

 

In deepest sympathy, in which all ranks wish to join,

Believe me

Very Sincerely Yours

MPG Leonard,

Chaplain to the Forces.