T.C. McGuiness

History

THE LATE PRIVATE T.C. McGUINESS.

Mrs McGuiness, of Kidd's Gully, Daylesford, has received the following letter from Chaplain F. T. Clevedon, of the 23rd Battalion, giving particulars of the death of her son, Private T. C. McGuiness, who was recently killed in action in France. The letter conveys the sympathy of all ranks of the battalion, and shows the esteem in which Pte McGuiness was held. Accompanying the letter is a copy of the battalion's journal, printed on the field, in which special reference is made to the death of the. young soldier. . This is the first time that any death has been so noticed in the paper :

France, 6/8/18.

"I am writing this to convey the deep sympathy of the C.O. and officers of the battalion, with you in the loss of your son, (1756) Private T. C. McGuiness, and also to give you such information concerning his death as is available. From what, I can gather he was acting as company runner and was going along the sap towards the Company H.O when Fritz began to shell the spot. He took shelter in a "funk hole" until it was over, but unfortunately a direct hit on his shelter was scored and Tommy was killed instantly. We brought his body out and I buried him in the Australia Military Cemetery, on the road between Viliers Brettoneux and Amiens. We have since erected a cross over the spot and I have registered the grave with the G.R. and E. War Office, London, thus ensuring permanency of record. The esteem in which Tom was held by all was of no ordinary kind, he was one of the best liked men in the whole of the Battalion. He was known to all of us personally, from the C.O. down, and never a one but had a good word for him. I am enclosing a copy of our magazine with an article about him. Every word of its appreciation is true, the only thing which is incorrect being the description "sniped." You will see what a lot was thought of him by its tone. This is the first time that any death has been so noticed in our paper. My heart goes out in very tender sympathy to you and to all who loved your boy in this your greatest loss. May God comfort and console you in your sorrow."

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--Clare K.Gervasoni 20:34, 1 May 2019 (AEST)