Albert, I am not aware of the precise circumstances of your death, nor what caused it, but, as a former soldier in the 1st and 7th Battalions of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment, and the 1st Battalion of the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment myself, doing my National Service in 1950-51 in relative peacetime conditions, although very sad to read about your sacrifice, I am pleased to be given this opportunity to salute you as a brave young soldier who lost his life in the service of his country in the severe fighting in the Ypres Salient in 1914-18, which mainly took place when you were facing the enemy in the Front Line trenches or in the mud. Sadly, your remains were not recovered from the field of battle, so you were commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial designed by Sir Herbert Baker. 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.” Anyone visiting your memorial at Tyne Cot, which is 9km north of Ypres, might just be able to hear the sounding of the Last Post each day by the local buglers at the Menin Gate, which can certainly be considered as including your memorial too. 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