I am sorry that I do not know your Christian name, which is how I like to address my former comrades in the regiment. 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 in the Suez Canal Zone, although sad to read of your sacrifice, I am pleased to be given this opportunity to salute you as a brave young soldier who lost his life in the service of his country during the later fighting on the Somme front, during 1917 and 1918 in the Battle of the Ancre. You were laid to rest in Gommecourt British Cemetery with ten others from 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”. I trust that the Guard of Honour at your graveside fired the traditional salute to a fallen comrade and that you were also commemorated on your home town war memorial. 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 and friends who mourned your sacrifice. Rest in Peace. Harry.
Henry Harrison