On September 23rd, 1916, my Grandfather, LCpl David Brain, was given a German Ladies' pocket watch by a German Sniper.

My Grandfather had hunted the German for several days in No-mans-land, and eventually found one of his "hides". He took up a firing position nearby, and after 3 days, found his quarry. He fired at the muzzle flash, then made his way to the position to "make sure", as was both the custom of the time, and according to orders. His bullet had hit the German's rifle, and travelled along it, permanently maiming the arm and shattering the shoulder. The German sniper, who had taken a toll of officers nearby (vide the casualties to officers in that sector the previous week), was no longer capable of using a rifle.

There they were, in no-mans-land. No-one knew they were there. The German would have bled to death, eventually. Completely contrary to orders, my Gradfather used his field dressing to stop the worst of the bleeding, and put the German's helmet up on his wrecked rifle to signify that there was a German casualty here.

When the German stretcher party arrived, the German sniper gave my Grandfather the pocket watch. It had belonged to his fiance, and he'd been given it as a favour (in the chivalric sense).

My Grandfather carried it for the rest of the war. Despite the damage that can be seen on the face due to shrapnel, it's still in working order.

The inscription reads;

Sep 23 1916
THIEPVAL
LCPL 18668
DAVID BRAIN
9th S.F.

David Brain survived the war and was demobilised as a full Corporal. He served as number 18668.