Letter from Second Lieutenant D L Newbigging, The London Scottish, to Mrs Ethel A Ottley, 5 December 1917

On 23 November 1917, 1st/14th (County of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (London Scottish), attacked Tadpole Trench near Bourlon Wood during the Battle of Cambrai. One of those killed in this action, was Private Percy Ottley. His commanding officer, Second Lieutenant D L Newbigging, wrote to his wife the following month to express his condolences:

'On the 23rd November during a bombing attack on an enemy position we met with stubborn resistance. At this point your husband in a gallant endeavor to support his comrades was shot by a sniper, death being instantaneous. His presence amongst us was greatly appreciated and I know he is sadly missed by all his friends out here as well as at home. I trust you will be able to gain a little consolation from the knowledge that he died the death of a brave soldier and a gentleman'.

From a collection of service papers, photographs and documents relating to the death in action of Pte Percy Crofts Ottley, London Scottish on 23 Nov 1917.