William, 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 NCO who lost his life in the service of his country. You were one of the 336 members of our regiment who were either killed in action or were mortally wounded on the first day of the Battle of the Somme when the 10th Service Battalion and other units of the Lincolns with bayonets fixed began the attack at 07.30 with the 8th and 34th Divisions who lost 11,000 men that day. It must have been absolutely terrible to have to face the fire of the German machine guns and the explosions of the heavy artillery shells and mortars. You were wounded and died some time later. The remains of most of your comrades were not recovered from the field of battle and they are commemorated on the Memorials at Thiepval, where 246 are commemorated, and also elsewhere. However, you were laid to rest with eight other members of our regiment in Serre Road Cemetery No 2, on the Somme, and others were laid to rest in other cemeteries on the Somme, such as Gordon Dump. I trust that the Guard of Honour at your graveside fired the traditional salute to a fallen comrade. In addition to your gravestone at the village of Serre, 11km north north east of Albert, I also trust that you were commemorated on your home town war memorial. I offer my sympathy to your mother and other relatives who mourned your sacrifice.  Rest in Peace.  Harry.  

Henry Harrison