A letter of condolence from J.A.Hunter Nov. 1916
Corp. J. A. Hunter
Mrs. Jameson's Hospital
Rye
Sussex
Nov 24, 1916
Mr. & Mrs. Shorthouse & Family
My dear friends,
According to the news I receive from Trimdon I hear that you have to bear another sad loss, that of your dear son Fred. It is very hard to bear the loss of one but when it comes to two sons in one family we begin to feel it the more keenly.
One is reminded of the Prophet Job who amid the experience of trial he had to go through was able to say, Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him. I sincerely trust that the faith of this prophet of old may be yours and that amid this period of sorrow the wonderful consolation of Christ may be you help and comfort. I was very glad a short time ago to hear that your dear son had taken that happy step and yielded himself to Christ and no doubt that this will be a great blessing to you knowing that the parting is only for a time and that the family circle will be again formed on that bright and happy shore where there will be no more sorrow and all tears will be dried. I often wonder what the people who do not trust Christ think when they have to face such a loss as yours, no hope, but Blessed be God we have some-one who has promised and His promises have never been known to fail who said " My peace I leave with you etc." Let not your heart be troubled, yes amid the trials of life, these words come to us, Hope thou in God. Please accept my feelings of deep sympathy, praying that the God of all comfort shall be your stay.
With the prayers of one who is with you in sorrow,
I remain
Yours very sincerely
J.A. Hunter
A Remembrance Card from Mary Shorthouse, Fred’s wife:
“In Loving Remembrance Of
Private. F. Shorthouse,
Beloved husband of Mary Shorthouse,
of Trimdon Colliery.
Who fell in Action, November 8th, 1916
AGED 27 YEARS
Deeply mourned by his loving wife and child
Gone, but not forgotten.
I hope some day my eyes shall see,
The face I loved so well,
I hope some day my hands shall clasp,
And never say farewell.”
While we have not made positive confirmation, it is believed that Mary remarried in 1918 to Joseph Husband, Chester le Street, and had a daughter Sarah. Mary’s son Arthur Shorthouse is believed to have served in the Royal Artillery from 1941 until 1946 (discharged 10th. Dec.). He married Mary A. L. Jefferson in 1941 and may have produced three children: Ann J. 1943, Pamela 1946 and Christopher in 1952.These facts have yet to be confirmed.
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