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In commemoration of the centenary this day of the death of Private William Henry Thomas of the Honourable Artillery Company, whose father, Henry William Thomas, subsequently donated the second bell in his son’s memory.

Rung before the Ascension Day service of Holy Communion, attended by members of "Little Harry's" family, during which he was remembered in prayer. The following tribute was read by a member of the band:

“As part of our Ascension Day service this evening, we join with family members present to mark the centenary today of the death in action of Private William Henry Thomas of the Honourable Artillery Company - “Little Harry” as he was known - in whose memory the smallest of Christ Church’s ten bells was subsequently given by his father in 1924.

The ringing before the service was dedicated to Harry’s memory - and the Union flag is flying outside tonight instead of the Diocesan flag normally flown on major occasions in the liturgical calendar.

Harry was born in 1888, the only child of Amy Thomas, and Henry William Thomas - also known as Harry - a prominent Swindon businessman and proprietor of The Eagle Tavern amongst others.

Little Harry was a talented artist who studied at the Slade School in London. He could have been exempted from military service on medical grounds, but underwent major surgery to repair a hernia - followed by an extended period of convalescence - before enlisting in 1915. After training as a Lewis gunner, he joined his unit in France the following year. He was wounded by a shell near Arras on the night of 24th May 1917 and died early the following day.

Harry Thomas senior was the earthly saviour of Swindon Town Football Club, who rescued it from a financial crisis in 1901 - an all-too-familiar story from the County Ground!

But as we recall events a hundred years ago - and earlier this week too - it’s evident that Little Harry had a strong faith in his own heavenly saviour.

He once wrote that “I have nothing to complain of as regards the Providence which ordains all things”; continuing “perhaps it is just as well that we never know what lies in front of us.”

Let’s reflect for a few moments in silence, as we remember both Harry’s sacrifice, and the victims of the recent atrocity in Manchester . . .

. . . and before the Vicar continues the service, The Collect for Peace from The Book of Common Prayer:

O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed;

give unto thy servants that peace which the world cannot give;

that both, our hearts may be set to obey thy commandments,

and also that, by thee, we being defended from the fear of our enemies,

may pass our time in rest and quietness;

through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Amen.”