I would like to commemorate my great-uncle Gilbert - my grandfather's elder and only brother - who was raised by his elder half-sister following the death of his father when Gilbert was only 4. Gilbert fought throughout the war until his death in action 30 November 2014, the last day of the 10-day Battle of Cambrai, when the German forces counter-attacked fiercely and largely regained the territory they had lost in the battle. The Somersets were blown to pieces and not a button remained of Gilbert after the battle. He is commemorated on Panels 4/5 of the Cambrai Memorial to the Missing near Louverval, along with nearly 7000 others for whom there was no body, and no known grave. During his lifetime, my grandfather could not talk of his loss – and hoped one day his brother would come home. In the 1990s, I set about learning more about the fate of Gilbert's regiment and the end of his life. Many wonderful people helped with information, and on the 80th anniversary of his death, I and members of the family made a first visit at the dawning of the day, to the field of shell craters where he died. We have returned and will return every tenth year, and remember the terrible sacrifice these men made.

Linda Playle