Walter, 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. You were laid to rest in Vermelles British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, 10km north-west of Lens, where 36 other members of our regiment also were laid to rest. The earliest death of a member of our regiment who was eventually laid to rest in Vermelles was dated in 1915 and the cemetery continued in use throughout the whole war. Most of your comrades buried here died in late 1916, before and during the great Battle of the Ancre, which followed the Battle of the Somme. However, after the Armistice, some graves were relocated from other nearby battlefields, so it is impossible for me to be absolutely sure of which Lincolns unit you were with and what it was engaged in when you lost your life. 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 Vermelles I trust that you were also commemorated on your home town war memorial. You are all 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