2ndLt. Archibald Ness McCall
South African Army 12th Field Supply Regt
from:Johannesburg, S Africa
My grandfather, Archibald Ness McCall, a butcher by trade, served in North Africa from 1940 till the end of the war as 2nd Lieutenant in Field Supplies. From all accounts and photos I have, he spent most of the time in Egypt and El Alamein. He spoke little of the war, but I have in my possession a letter written to him by the Duchess of Rosta in Naples on 16th February 1945, thanking him for the flag which draped her son's coffin after his he was killed in Africa. Her son was S.A.R. Amedeo di Savoia Duca d'Aosta. Though he was the enemy with the Italian forces, my grandfather, in the goodness of his heart, sent the flag which draped this boy's coffin back to his grieving mother in Italy. Her letter is transcribed as follows:
"Dear Lieut. McCall, I have just received the flag that covered my poor boy's coffin and accompanied him in his last journey. With it was a kind note from Major Williams in which he transcribed the noble sentences you wrote when you sent this precious token. It is no use me trying to tell you how deeply I was moved when I held to my heart that precious flag and read your touching words, nor shall I be able to tell you how thankful and grateful I am to you for for the gift and thought - but I am sure you know my feelings, for only a person with great heart and profound human understanding could have acted so kindly and so unselfishly as you have towards me. You will then forgive me if I do not even try to tell you all there is in my heart for you, but I want to assure you that your generosity has given a great comfort to a very unhappy mother. May God bless and reward you and from the deepest of my soul, my sincere thanks. Yours sincerely, H di Savoia Costa. Preggia di Lapodimonte Naples, Italy"
I have tried to contact the family of this person via the internet, but have received no reply. I would appreciate any advice as to what I should do with this valuable letter as I don't want it destroyed after I have gone.
