I am sorry that I do not know your Christian name. I am not aware of the precise circumstances of your death, nor what caused it, but, as a former soldier in the 1st Lincolns myself, doing my National Service in 1950, 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. You were laid to rest in Chili Trench Cemetery where 23 other members of our regiment also were buried. We read in the official reports on the Battle of Arras that on the 28th of April 1917, the first day of the British attack on the enemy just south of Gavrelle village, you and your comrades reached the slopes of Greenland Hill, and dug yourselves in. This was the day when you and all 23 of your comrades who were buried with you in Chili Trench also died in action. We read that a body of Lincolns, accompanied by other units, met a superior force of Bavarians, but attacked them “first with the rifle, then with the bayonet and the butt, and at last with fists, they annihilated the enemy”. Sadly, you did not survive this, your last battle. To quote the memorial hymn again, “All you had hoped for, all you had you gave to save mankind – yourself you scorned to save.”  I trust that the Guard of Honour at your graveside fired the traditional salute to a fallen comrade. In addition to your gravestone at Chili Trench, I trust that you were also commemorated on your home town war memorial. My sympathy to your relatives who mourned your sacrifice.  Rest in Peace.  Harry.  

Henry Harrison