Dear Mrs. Bowes,

Before receiving this you will have received the sad news of the death of your son, Pte. J.L. Bowes, No. 291816 and the wounding of his brother, F.A. Bowes, both of the 44th Canadian Infantry. Both boys were wounded while on duty by an enemy rifle grenade. J.L. died on his way to the hospital. He displayed a magnificent spirit, asking them to not trouble with him but to attend his brother first. I have heard his quiet heroism spoken of in the highest terms.

The brother has been sent on to some hospital not near at hand and you will be communicated with, I am sure from someone, or himself, from there. Your other boy, D.C. Bowes will have written you all the particulars. Today we had the funeral service and a great number of his comrades were able to be present. Within sound of the guns in a cemetery sacred to the memory of the Allied fallen and laid him to rest. A small cross bearing his name, number, unit and date of death marks the spot which is carefully tended.

My heart goes out to you as I write for I realize the tremendous sad tidings. May there be some comfort in that he nobly died thinking of another and fell in a worthy cause. May God give you strength to bear the great sacrifice you have been called upon to make in giving your boy in the hour of the country’s need.

In deepest sympathy

Yours very sincerely

George Farquhar, Chaplain