Thomas, I am not aware of the precise circumstances of your death, nor what caused it, although so many of our comrades must have been blown to smithereens in the German artillery defensive barrage in the fierce fighting on the Somme Front throughout the war. As a former soldier in the 1st Warwicks and the 1st Lincolns myself, doing my National Service in peacetime in 1950-51, although sad to read about your death, 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. 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.”  Your remains, and those of most of your comrades, were not recovered from the field of battle and you and 828 of them are therefore commemorated on the Memorial at Thiepval. I also trust that 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 widow, parents and other relatives and friends who mourned your sacrifice.  Rest in Peace.  Harry.  

Henry Harrison