Percy, 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 young soldier you undoubtedly were, who died in the service of his country. You were laid to rest in Grove Town Cemetery, Meaulte, on the Somme, just to the south of Albert. Two Casualty Clearing Stations, the 34th and the London, were established here to help deal with casualties from the Somme battlefields. You were one of 21 members of the Lincolns who perished in late 1916 who are now at rest here in Meaulte. 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 Meaulte, 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