Bertram, 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 1950-1951 in the Suez Canal Zone, although sad to read of your sacrifice, I am pleased to be given this opportunity to salute you as a brave soldier who lost his life in the service of his country during the first day of the Battle of the Somme on the 1st of July 1916. Several hundred of our comrades also perished in this attack and were commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.  You were laid to rest in Serre Road  No 2 Cemetery. 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 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