Bertie A. Harber ... I don't really know who this young man was, but his name was brought to my attention while looking at the "Every Man Remembered" memorial site.  I was simply glancing at men with my same Surname.  He caught my eye because we share the same initials, "B.A.H.", and so I began scouring the internet for more information about him.

 

According to his Medal Record, Bertie entered the war theatre in France on October 12th, 1915.  He served as a Gunner in the Royal Garrison Artillery, 15th Siege Battery.  His medal card also lists his date of death as September 26th, 1917, however; I found that there were six casualties on the 25th, all buried at Tincourt (where he is also buried), so I suspect he may have been one of them.

 

From other sources on forums and bulletin boards, I've learned that in September 1917, the 15th Siege Battery was a part of the 21st HAG in Villers-Guislain.  The battery was split and two Howitzers sent south the Epehy, leaving two in Villers-Guislain; I don't know which location Bertie was at. 

Though I only share his initials and surname, I have no reason to suspect any actual relation.  However, I still feel a strange sense of connection after looking him up.  I hope this brief account helps to remember one more soldier, someone's son; may they all, and all they gave, be remembered.

Godspeed, Bertie.

 

    - Benjamin Andrew Harber

 

 

 

 

Source links:

 

http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/greatwar/allied/battalion.php?pid=9417

 

http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?/topic/45698-whole-batter-killed-or-injured/&do=findComment&comment=385712

 

http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/index.php?/topic/51531-what-killed-members-of-the-rga/&do=findComment&comment=441734

 

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/255622/

Ben Harber