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Death and its Mystery, At the Moment of Death; Manifestations and Apparitions of the Dying – Camille Flammarion
Letter 4015 Madame A Mercier, Saint Mande, Seine, January 21st 1918

Madame D (it seems to us more discreet to give only the initial of the name since the occurrence is still so recent), a young woman who at the time of mobilisation had been married only a few months, adored her husband, who returned her love.

Separation had been cruel, in spite of the bravery of the young man, who seemed desirous of persuading his wife that he felt certain of his early return.

He had even begged her not to believe any news of him which might reach her, whatever its nature.  The days went by, without letters from him.  Then came short health bulletins and at last on August 25th, 1914, Madame D received a long letter from the soldier.

Happy and full of confidence, she regained a little gaiety.  The afternoon of that day there was a family reunion.  She asked her younger sister to sit down at the piano and play a ballad of Chpin for her – one that she and her husband particularly loved.

Her sister did so.

Suddenly – it was 3 o’ clock – the young woman rose, uttered a cry, a terrible cry, and fell to te floor senseless.  When she came to herself, they questioned her.

Opening frightened eyes, she exclaimed ‘What I have seen is dreadful.  Dreadful!’

The family, affected by the poor woman’s intense nervousness, did not dare to press her.  It was only upon the second day following when she seemed calmer, that she told them she had seen, abruptly unrolled before her eyes – a terrifying field of battle, horrible slaughter and in the midst of it all, her dear husband, falling dead!

Some days afterwards they learned that on August 25th at 3 o’clock, this soldier had been mortally hurt.

The young woman’s mother and several members of her family furnished me with confirmation of this dramatic scene.  The coincidence of the vision and of what happened on the field of battle is beyond question.