William, I am not aware of the precise circumstances of your death, nor what caused it, but, as a former soldier in the 1st Lincolns myself, doing my National Service in 1950 in the Suez Canal Zone, I am pleased to be given this opportunity to salute you as a brave young NCO who lost his life in the service of his country during the last winter of the war. You were laid to rest in Rocquigny-Equancourt Road British Cemetery, Manancourt on the Somme, 13km north of Peronne, where twenty-six other members of our regiment also were laid to rest. 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”. I trust that the Guard of Honour at your graveside fired the traditional salute to a fallen comrade. In addition to your gravestone in Manancourt I trust that you were also commemorated on your home town war memorial. You are all 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