A soldier’s last letter before he was killed in the war reveals he was reading the Surrey Comet on the Western Front.

The letter, dated October, 17 1916, was written by the late Claude Burton Haines, of Cedars Road in Kingston, to his mum while he was serving in France.

A transcript and photographs of the three-page letter were sent to the Comet by Mr Burton Haines’ great nephew, John Knight, 72, who lives in Suffolk.

Mr Knight said: “It’s a beautiful copper script and the letter has hardly any crossings out. I don't think I could write a letter of 3 pages with only 2 corrections.”

In the letter, Mr Burton Haines thanked his mum for mailing him a copy of The Surrey Comet and mentions his son Harold and his daughter Madge

The letter reads: “I have also received the following papers: John Bull of Opinion – Oct 15th Surrey Comet -Oct 15th for which many thanks.”

Mr Burton Haines' letter details both the ordinary and more gruesome aspects of life on the front line.

It reads: “My dearest Mother, I am very late in sending you a letter dear but I have been chopped and changed about this week or so.

“You say you can’t find my glasses. Well dear, it does not matter much now. I have these Army glasses true pince-nez!

“I shall be able to find the others whenever I get home. I enjoyed the apples immensely. They were fine.

“I thank so much dear for making me a scarf and pair of mitts. They will be welcome when the cold weather arrives.

“Yes dear you are having some stirring times in London and thereabouts. Zeps upon Zeps. Bang, Bang, Bang.

“It is just the same out here. All Bang. No end to the noise. Some evenings it is very quiet and calm. One begins to question - is there a war on and if so where.

“Well dear give my love and plenty of kisses to dear Madge, Harold. I do hope they are enjoying good health, the same as I do.”

Mr Burton Haines, who passed away on October 23, 1916, is buried in Dranoutre military cemetery and commemorated on the Hampton Wick memorial.