Thomas, I do not know the precise circumstances of your death, but, as a former Lincolns Lance Corporal myself doing my National Service in 1950-51, I can still salute you as the brave NCO you undoubtedly were, who died in the service of his country in the fighting during autumn 1915 in the former coal-mining area in the Pas de Calais, with many old slag heaps, such as that known as the Double Crassier surviving amongst the former colliery winding headgear such as the so-called Tower Bridge. The Battle of Loos involved much use of heavy artillery on both sides before the infantry launched the first attack, which also saw the first use of poison gas on September 25th in the heavy mist and rain. Following the artillery bombardment the infantry attacked, and there was much hand-to-hand fighting and many resulting casualties. Between 25 September and 16 October the British lost over 50,000 men, of whom over 16,000 were missing when the roll call was taken, and therefore were never heard of again, probably being blown to smithereens in the artillery exchanges. The worst day for the Lincolns seems to have been the 13th of October, when around 300 of you were lost in the attack on the Hohenzollern Redoubt by the 1st Division. You were commemorated on the Loos Memorial, Loos-en-Gohelle, together with nearly 200 other members of our regiment who perished later on in the fighting. 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 you were commemorated on your home town war memorial. 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 offer my sympathy to your mother and other relatives who mourned your sacrifice. Rest in Peace. Harry.
Henry Harrison