Fredrick, 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 young soldier who lost his life in the service of his country. In earlier engagements with the enemy on this front you had been heavily involved in hand-to-hand fighting with Bavarian troops who outnumbered you. Nevertheless we read that you fought “with rifle, then with the bayonet and the butt and at last with fists, and finally annihilated the enemy”. We also read that when you left the trenches before dawn a few days later on 28th April 1917 to attack the enemy, the German wire defences were still intact over several long stretches, and you were facing the Prussian 111th Division who were on higher ground. The fighting must have been ferocious, and your losses, sad to relate, were considerable. You were laid to rest in Roeux British Cemetery where eighty other members of our regiment also were laid to rest. You and all of your comrades buried with you here were killed in action on the first day of this attack. 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.”  I trust that the Guard of Honour at your graveside fired the traditional salute to a fallen comrade. In addition to your gravestone at Roeux I trust that you were also commemorated on your home town war memorial. My sympathy to your widow, parents and other relatives who mourned your sacrifice.  Rest in Peace.  Harry.  

Henry Harrison