To a soldier of the great war. I do not know you but I would have liked to have known you. You were a brother in arms with my paternal grandfather on the western front. My paternal grandfather, John Elson Carpenter, served with the Somerset Light Infantry in the war and lost his life on 23/03/1918 at St. Quentin, Northern France - The German Spring Offensive (21/03/1918 - 07/08/1918). He is also one of the missing and is commemorated at the Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France. He came from the Isle of Wight. You were awarded the 'Victoria Cross' for actions in battle. (On 25 Mrach 1918 at Bois Favieres, near Maricourt, France For most conspicuous bravery, determination, and gallant leading of his command. The enemy attacked on the right of the battalion frontage and succeeded in penetrating the wood held by our men. Owing to successive lines of the enemy following on closely there was the greatest danger that the flank of the whole position would be turned. Grasping the seriousness of the situation, Colonel Anderson made his way across the open in full view of the enemy now holding the wood on the right, and after much effort succeeded in gathering the remainder of the two right companies. He personally led the counter-attack and drove the enemy from the wood, capturing twelve machine guns and seventy prisoners, and restoring the original line. His conduct in leading the charge was quite fearless and his most splendid example was the means of rallying and inspiring the men during the most critical hour. Later on the same day, in another position, the enemy had penetrated to within three hundred yards of the village and were holding a timber yard in force. Colonel Anderson reorganised his men after they had been driven in and brought them forward to a position of readiness for a counterattack. He led the attack in person and throughout showed the utmost disregard for his own safety. The counter-attack drove the enemy from his position, but resulted in this very gallant officer losing his life. He died fighting within the enemy's lines, setting a magnificent example to all who were privileged to serve under him). You nobly gave your life so that future generations could live theirs. I can only imagine what life was like in the trenches for you. Horrific probably doesn't come close. We owe you a great debt of gratitude which we will never be able to repay. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE! "At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them."
Barry Carpenter