“mere words are utterly too feeble to express my feelings of sympathy at your great loss”
RI MS RCB/B/01
R.H.Peel to Gwendoline Bragg, 6 September 1915
R.H. Peel was a friend of Robert from his battery. He writes to send his condolences and give information on how Robert died which is something that the telegrams don’t explain. William Henry was sent two telegrams regarding his son. The first, on 1 September, informed the family that Robert had been severely injured, promising updates when possible. The second was a standardised notification, sent on 3 September to say Robert had died.
September 6th 1915
“A” Batty 58th Bde R.F.A./ 11th Division/ B. M. E. F.
Dear Mrs Bragg
It is with the deepest regret that I sit down to write this letter — I feel that mere words are utterly too feeble to express my feelings of sympathy at your great loss.
It was a most un-fortunate accident, as your Son & Ellison were sitting in our Dug-out censoring letters when a shell came through the sand-bags severing your Son’s left leg & injuring the other to such an extent that it would ever have been useless — Ellison escaped with a slight
Ellison escaped with a slight wound on his elbow –
Your son was immediately taken down to hospital and expired on board a hospital ship early next morning.
As his constant companion for nearly a year I am proud to think that we had made a lasting friendship, I cannot tell you how he will be missed as the best of good comrades –
Yours deeply sympathising
R. H. Peel
Photos courtesy of the Royal Institution of Great Britain. RI MS RCB/B/01
Notes and General Information
The unit diary of the 58th Brigade for 1 September 1915 reads:
15.50. Received a message that 2 subalterns of A Battery was wounded (2/Lieut Ellison slight wound in Elbow & 2/LIEUT BRAGG very serious in legs) (one amputated)
Gunner CRAIG? Also wounded. Officers ordered to take cover in separate dug-outs. Same shell that hit 2/Lieut Bragg also damaged 2/Lieut Ellison, direct hit. Shell did not burst but fuse came off.
Shortly after this they receive notice of attacks by the enemy and all available guns are requested in support. Nothing more is mentioned of the three injured men.
