You were a son and brother.  Your life cut short before you had the chance to become a husband and a father.  The loss to your family must have been so hard for them to bear.  Their pride in you immense.  Your memory forever cherished.  You are the soldier that my Somme 100 poppy pin commemorates.  Your sacrifice will not be in vain, and you, and your comrades will not be forgotten.  On armisitice day, I will remember all those who gave their life for my freedom, but I will especially remember you - Ernest William Brookes, my own Somme Hero.

Lisa Smithson