I am sorry that I do not know your Christian name, which is how I like to address my former military comrades. I do not know the precise circumstances of your death, nor what caused it, but, as a former soldier myself, doing my National Service training in 1950 with the 1st Battalion of the Royal Warwicks at Budbrooke, and in 1951-52 with the 7th TA Battalion at the Drill Hall in Nuneaton, I can still salute you as the brave soldier you undoubtedly were. Whether you perished as a result of suffering a Blighty wound in the fighting abroad, or whether it occurred through accident or illness here at home I do not know. 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 memorial in Coventry (London Road) Cemetery, 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 relatives and friends who mourned your sacrifice. Rest in Peace. Harry.

Henry Harrison