The family of a young army officer from Wimbledon who was killed in action 100 years ago have published some moving letters that were written to his parents after his death. 

Captain Jack Strain, who lived in Lancaster Avenue, Wimbledon Hill and attended Westminster School, was only 20 years old when he was killed in action on 31st July 1917.  He was acting as a Forward Observation Officer on the first day of the battle of Passchendaele (also known as the Third Battle of Ypres). 

The letters, which were written by fellow soldiers and friends, are a tribute to a much-loved young man whose strong Christian faith shone out as a beacon in some of the darkest days in history.

The letters can be viewed at www.jackstrain.co.uk

Article supplied by Iain Vellacott