"The King & Queen deeply regret loss you and the Army have sustained by the death of Cap. Nobbs, in the service of his Country. Their Majestys deeply sympathise with you in your sorrow.
"Keeper of the Privy Purse."
Next morning my name appeared in the official casualty list under the heading: "Killed in Action."
Letters followed from the front confirming my death, and even describing the manner of my death.
Such things are unavoidable in modern warfare; and only those who understand the conditions and the difficulties can appreciate the possibility of avoiding occasional errors. It is surprising to me that the errors in reporting casualties are not more frequent, and it speaks well of the care given by those responsible for this task.
It is extremely difficult, and occasional mistakes are only too apt to be widely advertised and give a wrong impression. Think of the task of the hundreds and thousands of casualties; and the errors, terrible though the suffering entailed may be, are comparatively insignificant.
But I have led the reader away from my story.
They thought me dead. Yes; killed in action. There was no getting away from it; no need for me to describe the tears and sorrow. Those who suffer must bear their sorrow in silence—more honour to them.
Obituary notices appeared in the newspapers, and letters and telegrams of condolence poured in.
My solicitors took possession of my belongings and explained their contents to my family.