Crest of the High Commissioner of

Union of South Africa.

32, VICTORIA STREET,

WESTMINSTER, S.W.

25^th July 1916

Dear Colonel Purcell,

            I have your letter & will be very pleased to arrange for the safe custody of the Flag & Shield presented to you last Friday, I can receive them whenever you send them up.

How splendidly our men have fought & borne themselves in the very kernel of the greatest battle of the war – yet how heavy the toll taken.  Delville Wood will be a proud & solemn name for ever in South African history.  It concerns me to learn that you expect to go over soon, knowing how you will be missed from your present responsible command.  If you go, you will add perk spirit & zeal to our small force, – small in numbers but in valour & purpose great; & you will have the earnest wishes of all South Africans with you & your officers & men.  I trust that a very high percentage of our recent casualties may prove to be not serious or ********** ***** but even so the losses are very heavy.

With best wishes & ****** regards

Yours sincerely

W.P. S*******

.

In envelope addressed to Lt. Col. Purcell, D.S.O.

South African Infantry

Bordon

Hants.

Postmarked LONDON OFFICIAL PAID but date unreadable.

At foot of envelope  HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR THE UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA and the round cachet thereof.  In pencil on envelope “Flag & Shield”