THIS week we're returning to the memories of Lieutenant Colonel William Digby Oswald DSO, a man called the 'soul of the Battalion', to look back on the brave and much-loved grandfather whose life was cut far too short in the First World War.

Billy Oswald was only 36 when he died at a casualty clearing station on the Somme as a result of wounds he received at Bazentin Ridge.

His granddaughter, Anne Powell, has researched about his life to write a short history about Billy.

The family gathered at Black Down to hold a service on the 100 year anniversary of Billy's death at the Somme.

Born in 1880, Billy was just 19 when he was commissioned in the 2nd Battalion Leicestershire Regiment before going to serve in Egypt and then in the Boer War.

During the Boer War Billy was captured and released, and spent time in South Africa prospecting for gold.

He returned to England in 1907 when he married Catherine (Kitty) Mary Yardley whose home was just outside of Weymouth.

During his time in the war, Anne writes that her grandfather was part of the heavy fighting near Ypres and at one point while carrying a casualty on a stretcher, a shell burst.

Anne writes: "This took off the leg of the man in front of him and hit the man level with him."

During another heavy shell-fire where mines exploded and the Battalion was digging itself in, Anne writes Billy was: "Buried and rescued five times by men. He was not wounded but said he was 'black and blue all over'."

Billy at the end of May took some long overdue leave to Weymouth, but while sailing in the bay was called up to the trenches again. It would be the last time Billy would be in England.

Many tributes flowed in following his death. One officer, General Haldane wrote to his wife Kitty, and said: "He was a lion-hearted man, a brave man among the many brave men."

Reverend Noel Mellish, V.C., said: "He was such a splendid man, so brave and keen and chivalrous, and I loved him for his splendid character."

Kitty, his widow, asked for a memorial for Billy to be in the form of a seat on Black Down with its magnificent views over Dorset.

Anne writes of her grandmother: "She chose this particular spot because before their marriage and whenever they returned to Weymouth, she and Billy spend many happy and carefree hours, walking and picnicking there.

She said: "Billy stabled his horse in Dorchester and rode over these hills many times and hunted with the Cattistock between 1907 and 1913."