John, as a former soldier in the 1st and 7th Royal Warwickshire Regiment and the 1st Royal Lincolnshire Regiment myself, doing my National Service in relative 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.” We read that in nearly all the big battles the Cameron tartan was well to the fore, and that your bravery was never surpassed. Your remains, and those of most of your comrades in the Cameron Highlanders, were not recovered from the field of battle on the Somme and over five hundred of them are therefore commemorated with you 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 brother and other relatives and friends who mourned your sacrifice. Rest in Peace. Harry.
Henry Harrison