I am sorry that I do not know your Christian name, which is how I like to address former comrades in our regiment. I do not know the precise circumstances of your death, nor what caused it, but, as a former soldier myself, doing my National Service training in 1950 with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Warwicks at Budbrooke, and in 1951-52 with the 7th TA Battalion at the Drill Hall in Nuneaton, I can still salute you as the brave soldier you undoubtedly were, who lost his life in the service of his country on the Somme during the summer of 1916. 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.” You were laid to rest in Heilly Station Cemetery, Mericourt l’Abbe with 44 other Royal Warwicks. I trust that you had a Guard of Honour from your comrades at your graveside, who fired the traditional salute to a fallen comrade. I also trust you were 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 relatives and friends who mourned your sacrifice. Rest in Peace. Harry.

Henry Harrison