John, I do not know the precise circumstances of your death, but, as a former Lincolns soldier myself, doing my National Service in 1950 with the 1st Battalion in the Suez Canal Zone, I can still salute you as the brave soldier you undoubtedly were, who died in the service of his country. Thilloy Road Cemetery, Beaulencourt, in the front line of the fighting in 1918, was where you and fifteen other members of our regiment were laid to rest during September and October in the final year of the war. I cannot be sure exactly where you suffered your mortal wound, although Thilloy Road was used for the funerals of our comrades from three CCSs whose wounds the medics were not able to cure. So I cannot be sure which of the Lincolns units you were serving in at the time. However we read that in the fighting at this time “ the Lincolns and other troops entered Gauche Wood and fought a hard battle”. Nevertheless, I trust that the Guard of Honour at your graveside fired the traditional salute to a fallen comrade. 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.”   In addition to your gravestone at Beaulencourt, 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 parents and other relatives who mourned your sacrifice. Rest in Peace. Harry.

Henry Harrison