www.voicesofwar.co.uk
We much regret to record the death of Lieut. Christopher F. Atter, of the
Leicestershire Regt. (elder surviving son of Mr. and Mrs. James Atter,
Windybrow, Melton Mowbray), who was killed in action on March 21st. The
sad news was conveyed to his parents in the following letter which arrived
from his Colonel on Saturday:
“26th March, 1918. Dear Madam, - I regret to inform you that your son,
Lieut. Christopher F. Atter, was killed in action on the 21st inst., the rst
day of the enemy’s offensive. Your son’s Company was sent forward
to assist a Battalion that was holding the front system of trenches.
The Company had much heavy ghting, and that evening retired to
a reserve line, having lost every ofcer except one, since killed, and
the greater part of the men. The Company did most gallant work and
stopped the enemy’s rush to a great extent, and caused the enemy
heavy losses. Owing to the number of casualties in this Company it has
been impossible for me to nd out how your son was killed, though if I
am ever able to obtain further details I will at once inform you. Please
accept the deepest sympathy of myself and his other brother ofcers in
you loss. Believe me, yours very truly, F. Latham, Lieut. Colonel.”
Another ofcer has written as follows:
“My dear Mrs. Atter, - Felt that I should like to write to you about your
son’s death, and express my sincere sympathy in your loss. As you
know, he died leading his men against overwhelming odds, and it was
due to his deeds that the battalion made such a glorious stand against
the hordes of Germans that attacked us. He was very popular both
with the men as well as ofcers due to his personal charm, and that
he commanded the respect of all that came into contact with him. We
shall feel his loss terribly. If there is anything that I can do please do not