To a missing soldier of the great war. I do not know you but I would have liked to have known you.  You were a brother in arms with my paternal grandfather on the western front. My paternal grandfather John Elson Carpenter served with the Somerset Light Infantry in the war and lost his life on 23/03/1918 at St. Quentin, Northern France - The German Spring Offensive (21/03/1918 - 07/08/1918). He is also one of the missing and is commemorated at the Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France.  He came from the Isle of Wight. You were awarded the 'Victroria Cross' for actions in battle on 01/07/1916. ' For most conspicuous bravery. From 7 p.m. till midnight he searched 'No Man's Land', and brought in three wounded men. Next morning at 8 a.m. he continued his search, brought in another wounded man, and gave water to others, arranging for their rescue later. Finally, at 10.30 a.m., he took out water to another man, and was proceeding further on when he was himself killed. All this was carried out in full view of the enemy, and under direct machine gun fire and intermittent artillery fire. He set a splendid example of courage and self sacrifice.'  You nobly gave your life so that future generations could live theirs. I can only imagine what life was like in the trenches for you. Horrific probably doesn't come close. We owe you a great debt of gratitude which we will never be able to repay. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE! "At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them."

Barry Carpenter