Found on the Battlefield

Date: 28th November 1919

Address: ?? Street 30, Dortmund, Westfallen

From: Helmut Schlieper

To: Mr.Gray

Dear Mr. Gray

During one of our offensives in the summer of 1918 I found on the battlefield the body of your son Mr.T.Gray #15601 Durham L.I. Together with his comrades around him he was killed by machine-gun fire. I know his name, because I have found his Pay-Book "with his Will".

If you desire, I shall send you this book.

I am your
Helmut Schlieper
Lieutenant I.Reserve

I have not yet written, because I have been a Pris.of War in Holyport, Berkshire.

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Notes:

1.



Picture of  Holyport POW Camp from ICRC Historical Archives

2. The pub now known as "The Belgian Arms" was called "The Eagle" until 1917. However, German prisoners of war used to salute the Prussian Eagle as they marched passed it, so the pub was re-named after Belgium, where many of the villagers served in the war.