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Lieutenant Le Marchand led the leading double company to the attack on the 7th and 8th August. He had only been with the regiment about 15 days and did not know the Gurkha language. His great personal gallantry gave him an extraordinary influence over his men, and he stopped 2 forward rushes of the enemy on the night of the 8th and 9th in a most gallant manner. He remained on the ridge 791 till the very last and was killed gallantly tackling single handed a large number of Turks. The only officer actually unwounded at this moment was Capt. Phipsen IMS who succeeded in obtaining your son's body and gave it a proper burial that night as near the point that he died an possible and we have very carefully marked the position. I or any other of the officers could have been present, but I alone am the only officer whose wound is not dangerous, but lose of blood compelled me to come down as I could only be a handicap where I was. His death was absolutely instantaneous and painless as he was shot through the base of the brain. The sympathy of every officer and man goes out to you in your great sorrow, and if I can do anything for you I hope you will let me know. A certain address to find me finally will be Madras Governor's Camp India, but if you write to the regiment here it would probably be forwarded if I am still alive. I am in Hospital myself and it is not very easy to write.
Yours in deepest sympathy.
Sd/- Cecil Allanson.
Major Commanding 1/6th Gurkha Rifles.