Page contains a typescript of a letter from Private Allan Miles to Sylvie Destrubé, dated 24 March 1917. Miles describes the events that lead to the deaths of her brothers, Guy and Paul, during the battle at Miraumont, France on February 17, 1917.
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PRIVATE MILES TO SYLVIE
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COPY
France March 24th 1917
Dear Miss Destrubé,
Got your of the 18th yesterday, and having a
few minutes to spare, will try and answer your questions. It is, I know
very painful for all of you at home, and can well understand your all
being anxious to hear all details.
I knew your three brothers well, but had heard that Georges
had left the Base, else I should certainly have sent him a few lines.
I was not in this attack, being the first time I have been
left out, so have had to gather what little I know from other boys.
Regarding the man you mention named Forbisher, afraid he could
not know very much about Guy and Paul, for it I remember rightly, he left
this Battn. last October.
Well, the attack was made on the 17th Feby. and it turned out
very misty, and unfavourable for any observation, and parties got separated
from one another. We had 18 Lewis Gunners from A. Coy., and only 3 returned.
Sergt. Brierley also was killed; Sergt. Hennessey and several others were
taken prisoners as far as we know. Guy and Paul with their team, five
of them, including an extra man for carrying purposes, had a special
objective. Two of the others were hit first, Guy and Paul and the Carrier
went on, and poor Guy was hit in the neck, and the last seen of Paul alive
being a few minutes later; he told someone that Guy had been killed, and of
course, was very much upset. He sent the man back who was carrying for their
team, and must have been hit very soon afterwards, shot through the head.
One consolation is that they both died instantly, and practically had no
pain or suffering.
The Germans made a strong counter attack, and our boys had to
fall back a short distance, but several days later we were able to advance
again and the bodies were all recovered and given proper burial. Guy and
Paul were found about one hundred yards from each other, Paul being in front
which clearly shows poor Guy was the first one hit.
Afraid this is all I can tell you, and of course they don't
allow us to say much, but if Georges does not know where they lie and
where it happened, I can tell you a few days later.
Guy came to see me just a few minutes before they went in, and
I have the three books by R.W.Service, which they have carried whilst
being out here, told me where to get them in case they didn't return, and of
course we only laughed over it, for I felt sure they would return. It
seems such a shame, for it was about the last time they would have gone it,
for they were both to have returned to England for a three months course
in the O.T.C. for Commissions.
I feel their loss very much, for I slept next to Paul at the
White City, and also came from Edmonton, and we had many good chats over
people and W. Canada, can assure you they are a great loss to A. Coy., and
very much regretted by all.
Their team were a very happy crowd together. I am not a
Lewis Gunner, but very often visited them in the trenches, and of course
we were very often together whilst out on rest, and they were always happy
and made the best of everything, and have both done their duty as soldiers
in a splendid manner.
I must not dwell too long on this, for it is very sad for you,
so must conclude thanking you for your kind wishes. Kindest regards to
yourself and your Father,
Yours sincerely
(signed) ALLAN MILES, 367, A.Coy. R.F.
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