Very sorry indeed

this is a photo of my Great Grandfather David Binns and his brother Abraham Binns. David had 2 sons who were of the right age to fight in the War to end all wars. Neither returned. This week I found this in the Keighley News for November 20th 1915.
Private William Binns (20)first 6th West Riding Regiment, son of Mr and Mrs david Binns of Glen Lee Keighley has been kiiled in action on the western front,News of his death was conveyed to the parents in a letter sent by Second Lieutenant F Longden Smith , who says :" I am very sorry indeed to have to write and tell you that your son was killed about 1 am this morning by a German Bomb. He was on duty at the time in a sap, very close to the German lines , and the Germans landed a bomb right in the trench. He lived for nearly half an hour, but was unconscious all the time and so was spared much pain. His wounds were mostly in the head and though medical aid was very soon on the spot, all efforts to save his life were of no avail. He was buried this morning behind a farm a little way behind the trenches alongside many others who have made the supreme sacrifice for their King and country. The brigade clergyman took the service and a cross will be placed to mark the spot where he is buried. I should like to say how much we all thought of him [ always willing, always cheerful, making the best of things and leading everyone to so the same. Only on Tuesday last his name was sent in for promotion which he would have received in a day or two. On behalf of the officers, NCO's and men let me offer you my deepest sympathy in your great loss" - Private Binns was formerly employed as a spinning overlooker by Messrs Timothy Hird and Sons, worsted spinners, Keighley and he went to France with his regiment in April last. He was well known in boxing circles and won a cup a short time ago.

Abraham's son John survived the war, but I believe he suffered from shell shock. I've not had the chance to do much research on him. His son however, was killed on the 15 June 1944 in the English channel as a cook on HMS Mourne which was sunk by a U-boat. Just today a fellow blipper has kindly sent me a photo of his name on the memorial in Plymouth. ( Many thanks huddspics)

I am sat with the lights out and a candle burning, thinking about those that lost their lives, and those that didn't but had to live with the memories of conflict.
RIP