238533 Gnr. Bertie A. Harber British Army 15th Siege Battery Royal Garrison Artillery (d.26th Sep 1917) 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 relationship. 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.
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