Lives of the First World War

known 13th July 1916

CORPORAL SIDNEY DAY, RAMC Mr and Mrs E Day of Needham Market have received news that their second son, Corporal Sidney Day, RAMC, fell in action on July 1st. The Sergeant of his unit writes: “You will be wondering who you have got for a correspondent now, and I can only wish I was writing to you under very different circumstances. You will be wondering what all this is about, but be patient and prepare yourself for an item of news which will cause you great sorrow. I cannot but think that you, or any other woman who has had a husband or a son taking an active part in the campaign at the Front have not prepared themselves in some measure for what might happen at any time. There must always be a sort of overhanging menace to the safety of anyone within the actual war zone, and therefore it behoves anyone who has anyone gloriously at the front of duty in the field to keep the possibilities of war and all that it may mean to them, well in view. Your son, Corporal Sidney Day, was a great friend of mine; in fact he was a friend and a true one to any who were worthy of his friendship. Even the unworthy were not denied his goodwill and the benefit of his contact, with his bright, sunny nature and that serene and winning smile. You will by now have some idea of what is coming. Perhaps you may have heard it officially. Poor Sidney was killed in action on the morning of the 1st inst. I hear that death was instantaneous, and so it will be something to you to know that he didn’t undergo a cruel and lengthy suffering. I heard of the day news just shortly after it happened, and one of our men who was up there told me that Sidney looked very peaceful, and that it was hard to believe at first that death had claimed him for its own. He had been struck by a piece of shell. So he has made the supreme sacrifice, ‘Greater love has no man etc.’ Your son served in my unit, No.11 Field Ambulance, prior to being attached to 1st King’s Own. He was a general favourite, and beloved of all. To myself and to other in the unit he was a comrade in the truest sense of the word, and the sad news caused a most painful impression, even at a time like this, when loss of life is a thing ever looked for and expected. Such a man as Sidney was must have been the son of a true and good mother, and I humbly beg that you will accept my sincerest regrets. God’s will be done. I would also that you convey these sentiments to his sorrowing wide – husband and wife for but a brief spell. I would have written to her, but I haven’t got the address. Believe me, yours in sympathy and sorrow, DC Johnston, Sergt.”

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