David, I am not aware of the precise circumstances of your death, nor what caused it, but, as a former soldier in the 1st Lincolns and the 1st and the 7th Warwicks myself, doing my National Service in 1950-51, though sad to read of your sacrifice, I am pleased to be given this opportunity to salute you as a brave young soldier in the Gordon Highlanders who lost his life in the service of his country in the severe fighting in this sector of the Western Front on the Somme. Sad to relate, your remains were not recovered from the field of battle, so you were commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing together with 629 other Gordon Highlanders. 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.” 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 also trust that you were commemorated on your home town war memorial. I offer my sympathy to your parents and other relatives and friends who mourned your sacrifice. Rest in Peace. Harry.
Henry Harrison