I am sorry that I do not know your Christian name, which is how I like to address my former military comrades. I do not know the precise circumstances of your death, but, as a former soldier myself, doing my National Service in the Suez Canal Zone and Aqaba in 1950-51 with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Lincolns, while sad to read of your sacrifice, I feel honoured to be able to salute you as the brave soldier you undoubtedly were. Whether you perished as a result of suffering a Blighty wound in the fighting abroad, or whether it occurred through accident or illness I do not know. 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 at Brockley fired the traditional salute to a fallen comrade. In addition to the memorial inscription on your gravestone or on one of the large memorials, 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 widow and other relatives and friends who mourned your sacrifice. Rest in Peace. Harry.

Henry Harrison