James, 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 1950-51, I am pleased to be given this opportunity to salute you as a brave soldier who lost his life in the service of his country in the severe fighting in the Ypres Salient in 1917-18. Sadly, your remains were not recovered from the field of battle, so you were commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial, together with 550 other members of our regiment. 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.” Anyone visiting your memorial at Tyne Cot, which is 9km north of Ypres, with the wind in the right direction, might just be able to hear the sounding of the Last Post each day by the local buglers at the Menin Gate, which can certainly be considered as including you. But 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 also trust that you were commemorated on your home town war memorial. I offer my sympathy to your relatives and friends who mourned your sacrifice.  Rest in Peace.  Harry.

Henry Harrison