There is thoughtful exhibition on the Chavasse family at Peter’s College, Oxford until 14 January. 

This morning, at 7.30am on 5th January, 1917, Edwin Dyett was shot at dawn, at St Firmin, France.

100 years ago today, Sub. Lt. Edwin Dyett discovered that he was to be shot at dawn. He was playing cards when the contents of a blue envelope – his Death Warrant – was read to him. He spent an hour with a Padre and found the strength to write this one last letter:

France, January 4, 1917

Dearest Mother Mine,

I hope by now that you will have had the news. Dearest, I am leaving now because He has willed it. My sorrow tonight is for the trouble I have caused you and dad.

Please excuse any mistakes, but if it were not for the kind support of the Rev. W.C. _____ who is with me tonight, I should not be able to write myself. I should like you to write to him, as he has been my friend.

I am leaving all my effects to you, dearest; will you give my little _____ half the sum you have of mine?

Give dear dad my love and wish him luck. I feel for you so much and I am sorry for bringing dishonour upon you all. Give _____ my love. She will, I expect, understand – and give her back the presents, photos, cards, etc., she has sent me, poor girl.

So now my dearest Mother, I must close. May God bless and protect you all and for evermore. Amen

—

He was shot at 7.30am  5/1/17 at St Firmin. It is reported that his final words were: “For God’s sake shoot straight.”

It is moving story and I have been moved revisiting it today. Many years ago I followed Dyett’s footsteps as closely as possible from desertion to death. For the full story I recommend Leonard Sellers’ book also called “For God’s sake shoot straight.”

I recommend this book by Andrew Stewart for those interested in the Coats Mission. My Grandfather is back row, third from the left.