CAPTAIN WILLIAM CALHOUN
AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY
6TH JULY 1918 AGE 27
BURIED: VILLERS-BRETONNEUX MILITARY CEMETERY, FRANCE
Private Calhoun's inscription comes from the last lines of the memorial scroll sent to the next-of-kin of every man killed in the war. Written on high quality paper in calligraphic script, the scroll outlines the qualities of the dead man and of the sacrifice he had made.
"He whom this scroll commemorates was numbered among those who, at the call of King and Country, left all that was dear to them, endured hardness, faced danger, and finally passed out of the sight of men by the path of duty and self-sacrifice, giving up their own lives that others might live in freedom.
Let those who come after see to it that his name be not forgotten."
The final decision on the wording was made by Dr Montague Rhodes James, the author M.R. James, Provost first of King's College, Cambridge and then of Eton. The scroll acknowledges the fortitude and endurance of the men and asks the future to ensure that their names are not forgotten . There is no expression of gratitude, this had come in the letter of condolence from King George V that followed receipt of the news of the casualty's death:
"The Queen and I offer you our heartfelt sympathy in your great sorrow.
We pray that your country's gratitude for a life so nobly given in its service may bring you some measure of consolation.
George R.I."
And with a note from the King accompanying the memorial plaque all next-of-kin received once the war was over.
"I join with my grateful people in sending you this memorial of a brave life given for others in the Great War.
George R.I."
