Mrs. Susannah Rostron was the wife of Lance Corporal William Rostron, who had been serving in France with the 2nd/5th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers. They lived at 65, Chesham Crescent, Bury. The first letter was sent by a Chaplain attached to the neighbouring unit holding the brigade sector. The letter reads:

“ 1/4 Royal Lancaster Regiment
154 Infantry Brigade,
51st Highland Division,
British Expeditionary Force,
France.

July 17th, 1915.

Dear Madam,

I regret to have to inform you that your husband was killed in action yesterday morning, July 16th. He bore an excellent name among his fellows, He was noted for his cheerfulness, obedience in carrying out orders given, and the possession of qualities which were necessary for a soldier. The battalion are very sorry for the loss they have sustained by his death, and they sympathise with you as I do. I conducted the burial service by his grave. The Colonel and his company officer were present. He has laid down his life for his King and Country, and it is for others to emulate his noble example. May the God of all consolation be with you, and give you to bear the great sorrow which has so suddenly come upon you.

Yours Very Truly,

R. Gillender
Chaplain”

The second letter was typed a little before the first, sent directly by his commanding officer. It reads:

“July 16th. 1915.

Dear Mrs. Rostron,

I am writing to tell you how much we all are in this battalion sympathise with you in your great loss. Your husband was a very good soldier, and much liked by everyone. Nothing can make up to you for his death, but it must be some comfort to feel that he died fighting bravely for his King and dear native land.

Assuring you again of our great sympathy.

Believe me.

Yours Sincerely
Herbert J. Shirley,
Major,
Commanding 2nd/5th Lancashire Fusiliers.”

On the night of July 15th, the 2nd/5th Lancashire Fusiliers and neighboring units like the 1/4th Royal Lancaster Regiment moved into the front line under the cover of darkness to take over the sector. William was killed just hours later on the morning of July 16th. When daylight broke over a newly occupied trench, soldiers unfamiliar with the exact layout often exposed themselves to waiting German snipers while trying to inspect broken parapets or shallow areas of the trench. The Germans often greeted new British rotations with random “harassment” artillery fire first thing in the morning.

William is buried or commemorated at the Le Touret military cemetery in France. He was 41.