Toronto Regt.
Trenches,
Belgium,

May 7th. 1916.

Dear Miss McIntyre:

Long before this letter reaches you, I feel sure you will have full particulars about Errol’s death on the early morning of the 5th. inst., nevertheless I hope you will not feel that I am needlessly intruding into the privacy of your sorrow by writing to you, but I simply must attempt to express to you my deepest sympathy for you in your particularly grievous loss.

Having lived with Errol in the last year in the closest intimacy, I learned something of his manly and lovable qualities, which won your heart, and believe me, my sense of loss is very deep and real also.

Errol’s worth as Battalion Intelligence Officer called for high qualities of mind, and heart. As you of course realize, his death from a rifle wound received when on patrol with two of his men only 20 yds. from the enemy’s line, was in the highest sense honourable, and an ever shining example of cool devotion to duty. The work of gaining information about the enemy’s line and his movements is absolutely necessary and often dangerous in the extreme.

I have talked with the two scouts who were with him — Lambert, a particularly fine type of young Frenchman was close beside him in the darkness when he was hit. Errol did not speak afterwards, and it is certain that he suffered not at all. Lambert went out a second time with two others to bring Errol in. "A" Coy. was in reserve at the time, and we did not learn even that he was hit until the next morning.

Yesterday, two sergeants of his old Platoon, No. 4 (Sergts. Burger and Braddick), Lambert of his scouts, and myself were given permission to leave the line to be present at his burial at Lissenthock Military Cemetery, which lies in a beautiful country, 10 miles behind the trenches. Our Chaplain, Captain Gordon, conducted the service. The afternoon sun shone brightly, and a crisp breeze rustled through the new leaves - the day was full of spring, and the grain of poetry in every man’s nature was stirred by thoughts too deep for tears, yet underneath all was a gladness unconquerable and a strong assurance.

Errol’s grave is in Plot 5, Row "A", No. 33.

May God Bless you and lighten your sorrow. If I can be of any service, please let me know. Please convey my deep empathy to Errol’s family.

Forgive me if I have trespassed on your sorrow.

Ever your sincere friend,
G.L.B. MACKENZIE.