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WW1
Loone Henry Gordon
Born 1885 Scottsdale Tasmania the third son of the Hon. Arthur William MLC and Ketura Ann Loone (nee Lister) of North Eastern Tasmania a Branch Manager for General Stores he embarked Melbourne on board “HMAT Wiltshire with the 1 Australian Stationary Hospital He died 28th September 1917 after being hit by a piece of shell whilst assisting to carry a wounded soldier in from the firing line and was buried in the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium. LETTERS FROM THE FRONT, PAYING THE PRICE. The following is supposed to be the last letter written by the late Private Henry Gordon Loone, third son of the Hon. A.W. Loone, Scottsdale, to his, brother Frank. It was written on the 25th September, and on the morning of the 26th, whilst carrying in a wounded soldier at the battle of Menin.Road, Private Loone was struck in the temple by a piece of shrapnel from a high explosive shell and passed away on the 28th or September. The letter say:--'"We are standing ready to move at any minute for the front on a stretcher-bearing job, so I will write a few lines while we are waiting. I posted a field card home yesterday, as 1 did not have time to write. We had been two days and nights bearing up at the front, and we had no sleep in that time, so we had to get a few hours in when a chance occurred. I was very lucky not to got outed as our little dugout was blown in on top of us, but we only suffered from surprise and mud, Several were killed, not more than ten yards from us. Yes, it's a bit exciting, but it's all in the game. A man's luck will carry him through. Three of Fritz’ planes came along our trenches sniping at us with machine guns. Yes, I can bob down as quickly as the next one. I have just heard Col. Chugg was a prisoner, while Alf. Jones died in England some time ago. And so poor Neville Hookway has paid the price. We saw his grave here next to a dressing station, His pals say he was the most liked man in the ambulance, a clean living lad, and as game as a pebble, and there is not the slightest doubt that he died as he lived-a christian in the true sense of the word. If his ambulance do not get a decent fence and cross up, we will have it attended to, and also have a photo taken of his grave, which we will forward in due course. I will write to his parents as soon as we come out of this stunt. Express my deepest regret to themnp when you see them. One good thing to know is that he was killed instantaneously. Give my best wishes to all at home and abroad. I have just met N Rutherford, R. Lade, E and P Hardy. I don't know where Jack Booth is at present. I heard .that he was wounded some time ago. later- A cross has been placed at the head of Neville's grave. I will forward a photo of it to his people. Major R. Furter, writing to Hon. A. W. Loone, says:-"I am writing to express my sympathy in your great loss it was a tremendous shock to me and I felt it very deeply, as Gordon has been very closely attached to me for upwards of 15 months, and I had conceived a great affection for his personality and a great admiration for his honesty, willingness, and bravery. He has been through many tight corners with me, and had come through each ordeal with flying colours always, and it is there under stress that one learns to appreciate real men Nothing of course can make up for your loss, but it must be some consolation to you to know that he died doing his duty in the bravest and most glorious work of stretcher bering, and bringing back to safety his wounded comrade soldiers. Believe me that I can and do sympathise very nearly with you in your grief." Examiner 29th November 1917
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