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Letter from 2/Lieut Robert Richard Clay
to
Vivian's parents
(Undated - but Vivian's father died in December 1916)

2nd. Wilts
B.E.F.

My dear Uncle & Auntie,

    This is the first chance I have had of getting any really definite news and only today I have been talking to some of the men of his Company. It is really superfluous for me to tell you that poor old Vivian died like an officer and a gentleman - in fact he never knew the meaning of the word "fear" - he was as brave a comrade as I have ever met. On the morning of the attack (18th) Vivian with his company captured a German trench, and although he was practically bombed out twice, he got the trench again. He was walking about on the top (it was still dark) encouraging his men to consolidate the position when he was shot with a rifle bullet through the chest and practically killed at once. I understand from a man who was with him at the tine that when Vivian was in the German trench which he captured, he sent back a written message to our Colonel, giving very clearly the position of affairs.

    It was written shortly before he was hit. It shows eloquently what a brave and absolutely fearless soldier he was - not rash in any way, but always cool

(2)

and collected. Directly I heard that Vivian was missing and believed killed, I asked the senior officer who was in charge of the reserves with my transport, to allow me to go up to the firing line to try end find my cousin. He would not allow me to go, as he said I could do no good and further we had already lost so many officers.

It was hard, very hard to take this refusal, but when I thought quietly over it, then I understood better. I was prepared for any risk, firstly because of my sincere love for Vivian, and secondly - my duty.

    You ask me a question I have been dreading. I cannot truthfully say for certain that dear old Vivian had a soldiers funeral, in the way you possibly mean. It was impossible for us to get him in and buried. I have no doubt he has been buried by the people who relieved us and I hope with all my heart that the spot is marked.- I feel pretty certain it is. I am afraid all this makes it harder for you to bear - in one way - yet again how proud you must all feel of him. Do you realise that he was a favourite with every officer and man in the Battalion? I have had a good many officers

(3)

of other regiments in the Brigade express their great sympathy to me. It was a bitter blow to me. I simply loved Vivian - he was a MAN and a dear comrade. I have seen so many comrades killed out here, that sometimes I think I cannot stand this any longer. However we must bear our troubles and be British. You have the real sympathy of every officer and man in this Battalion I hope you will bear up. Vivian would not have you fret too much - let us all be proud that he died like an officer and a man.

    With love to you all and again tendering you my very deepest sympathy.

Believe me,
Your affect: Nephew
Dick.
(2/Lieut R.R.Clay.
Transport officer 2nd. Wilts.)