“It was during the first tour that we had the great misfortune to lose a very gallant Officer and sportsman – H. K. Simonet.

He had moved his Company Headquarters from an unprotected hellhole to a cottage at Les Facons, in the outpost line itself, only to get a direct hit on it almost immediately which resulted in Simonet and his runner Pte Garratt, one of the most reliable and gallant men in the Battalion, being badly wounded. Neither recovered, and they were buried near each other in the Cemetery at Lapugnoy”

[History of the 1/8th Battalion Sherwood Foresters 1914-1919, Captain WCC Weetman]

Harold Keith Simonet

“A most capable Officer of Fien leadership and magnificent character, “Simmy” was liked by all and his loss was felt most keenly throughout the Battalion”

307644 Pte George Frederick Garratt

George Frederick Garratt aged 20 and the son of Lucy Ann Garratt of 28 Babbington Lane, Derby.

George only served overseas with the 1/8th Battalion, but most likely joined the 3/5th Battalion prior to that. It is unclear when he won the Military Medal, which was announced in the London Gazette on the 28th January 1918. Captain Simonet lead a number of fighting patrols towards the end of 1917 and as his Company Runner, its likely that George accompanied him on these raids and won the gallantry award during this time. There is no record in the Battalion War Diary or Battalion History.