1
5 Jul 1916 Dear Mrs Jones It is with deep sorrow and regret I write to
inform you of the sad death, in action, of your friend, Corporal
M'Vicker, of the 121st Field Company, R. E. Ulster Division. He was full of pluck
and energy, and a regular
soldier, always keen to be allowed to go on any raids against the
enemy, He was a great favorite in the Company,and by all who
knew him, and will be missed greatly. A great fight has been going on for some days,
and
the Company were resting for the night in some rough shelters,
about half a mile behind our Front fire, when at 2 o'clock last
night a shell came in the shelter killing 2 men, and severely
wounding your friend, and our Sergt-Major. They were at once
attended to with all possible care, and sent off the Hospital by
Motor Ambulance,but I have just received the sad news that he has
since died, and has been buried in the Soldiers Cemetery at
FORCEVILLE. You have the deepest sympathy of both the Officers
and men of the Company by whom he was greatly beloved. Yours sincerely C. Craig,
Major.
O.C. 121st Field Company, R. E.
Ulster Division.
Letter from Major Clarence Craig (1864-1938) to Mrs Jones regarding the death of Corporal
John Henry McVicker (1883-1916). According to Major Craig McVicker was seriously wounded
by a German shell while resting close to the front line with his company. He consequently
died from his injuries. Major Clarence Craig was a commanding officer with the 121st
Field Company of the Royal Engineers in the Ulster Division. He was also the brother
of Sir James Craig (1871-1940, the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland.