Lance Corporal Herbert Henry Tuplin was born in Binbrook, Lincolnshire, in 1898 to William and Emily Elizabeth Tuplin. Herbert had three younger brothers, Francis William, born 1899, George Samuel, born 1903 and Thomas Charles born 1906. At the time of the 1911 census, Herbert and his family were living in Burgh on Bain, Lincolnshire, and he was a farm labourer. 

Herbert served with the 12th (Pioneer) Battalion, during the Great War (1914-18). The Battalion was formed on the 1st of October 1914 at Derby. They landed in France on the 30th of August 1915. The Battalion, and presumably Herbert, saw much action in the Ypres Salient. It would be there in 1916 when some of the Battalion began writing the now-famous “Wipers Times”. 

In June 1917, the Battle of Messine Ridge took place between the 7th and 17th of the month. The 12th (Pioneer) Battalion served in the battle, and on the 16th moved to Sherwood Park Camp. The Battalion “B” and “D” companies began digging communication trenches, to the depth of 3ft. Sadly, on the 19th of June, Herbert was killed by German shellfire whilst completing this task. He was 19 years old.  

It was described in the 12th Battalion’s War diary: ‘C. and D. Coys. continued work on C.Ts. I.30.c.75.5. to IMAGE AVENUE recutting widening and deepening. Work was greatly hampered by heavy shelling. Casualties 1 O.R. killed by shell fire. 8 O.R. wounded by shell fire.’