Herbert, I do not know the precise circumstances of your death, but, as a former Lincolns soldier myself, doing my National Service in 1950 with the 1st Battalion, I can still salute you as the brave young soldier you undoubtedly were, who died in the service of his country. Romeries Communal Cemetery Extension, in the Department of the Nord, was where you and nine other Lincolns were laid to rest. All of you fell in the last year of the war during the great Allied advance to victory in the Battle of the Sambre during appalling weather conditions. We read that the fighting just here, especially during the hours of darkness, was “swift and violent”. I trust that the Guard of Honour at your graveside fired the traditional salute to a fallen comrade. I can but quote the memorial hymn again, “All you had hoped for, all you had you gave to save mankind – yourself you scorned to save.”   In addition to your gravestone at Romeries, you are also remembered every year at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance, when the parade is at the attention while the Queen’s Colour and the National Standard are dipped in salute as the Last Post is sounded. I offer my sympathy to your parents and other relatives who mourned your sacrifice. Rest in Peace. Harry.

Henry Harrison