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LETTER PROM CAPTAIN CAMP-
BELL.
The following letter was forwarded to
the-ijarents of the late Stanley Spencer
Reid by Captain Campbell, the officer
commanding the Sixth West Australian
Contingent, and has been sent to us for
publication : -
"Rudde Kraal Camp, with Colonel
Pitcairn-Caiapbell's column. June 30,
1901.-From Captain Campbell, officer
commanding Sixth W.A.M.I.-It is ,
with very great regret that I have to
apprise you of the death of your son,
Lieut. Stanley S. Reid, who was wound-
ed in an engagement with the enemy at
Spitz Kop on tho 23rd inst., and died
this morning-, from the result of his
wound. From the time of receiving
his wound he was attended without inter-
mission by the officer commanding tho
field hospital- of General Kitchener's
column, and his brother, our own medical
officer, who was untiring; in his attend-
ance, and who-was with him constantly
night and- dav until the-time of his
death. Both officers- and: men under my
command feel acutely the loss of your
gallant son, who by his kindliness and.
manlv bearing; had endeared himself to
everybody with whom he was associated.
His conduct ou the field was most exem-
plary. During, our engagement at
Break-pan he was severely wounded in
the stomaoh. but, notwithstanding the
severity of his wound, he continued in
action, and led his division until the close
of operations. For this conspicuous
bravery I mentioned him in despatches,
and the general commanding this column
WÎ-.S pleased to forward it on to the Com-
mander-in-Chief. He was buried this
morning close to our camp here at 8
o'clock, with all due military honours,
th* funeral beui<* attended by Colonel
Campbell and his staff, together with re-
presentatives from all the regiments
comprising this column, the bunal ser-
vice being performed by bis friend, our
chaplain, Mr. Collick. The grave is
situated under a clump of Australian
wattle« and a large wooden cross hus
been placed substantially at the head,
bearing his name. etc. The men who
were lately under his command, compris
jr- his division, have taken upon them-
selves the arrangement of the grave nice-
ly, with stone device, etc., being anxious
to do all in their power to show their re-
gard towards_their late officer. Will
you please accept from mg^and also from
Tbhe officers and men tinder my command,
our sincerest sympathy* with you in your
sorrowy,ahd may we hone that the fact of
your son dying as an officer on the field of
battle. leading his men for his country,
ms« reconcile you and the other mem-
bers of your familv and those who were
dear to him to his loss."
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