Lives of the First World War

Image of Private Norman Kerr in uniform.

The front of a memorial booklet kept by my family after a service of remembrance for Private Norman Kerr

Text reads: Remembrance - Norman Kerr, 15th H.L.I Beloved son of Mr and Mrs John Kerr, Need, Drumbeg Killed in action in the European War while serving with the Expeditionary forces in France, 18th November 1916. Age 22.

Text reads: He died at his post like a soldier brave, He answered his country's call, He sleeps far away in a soldier's grace For his country's cause he did fall. His warfare o'er, his battle fought, His Victory won though dearly bought. His Fresh young life could not be saved - He slumbers now in a soldier's grave. No mother's care did him attend, Nor o'er him did a father bend; No sister by to shed a tear, No brother by his words to hear. We loved you in life, you are dear to us till, But in grief we must bend to God's holy will. Too far away your grave to see, But not too far to think of thee.