Dear Father and Mother,

Just a line or two in answer to your most kind and welcome letter which I just received. Well Mother, you have likely heard before now the bad news of Howard Curtis's death. He was killed the last time we were in the trenches. We just came out now for a rest that we certainly will enjoy. Howard was my best pal. We stayed together like brothers ever since Bert Carpenter was killed. Howard and I were on pass together in England and we came back to France at the same time.

We buried Howard in a graveyard and he has a quiet resting place. I carved a small tombstone out of hard white chalk and placed it on his grave. I would write to Mr. & Mrs. Curtis but there is nothing I can say that would help. When you see them you can tell them their son died a hero. His bravery will never be forgotten in the history of our good old battalion and the glory of the Peterborough boys. Howard was well liked by his comrades. Now my brave pal sleeps peacefully, his duty done for his God and his country, free from danger and harm. May God rest his soul. - You will express my deep sympathy to Mr.& Mrs. Curtis.

Pte. Stanley Garrett
Light French Mortar Battery
First Canadian Division
C.E.F. France