The National Army Museum is conducting a First World War Centenary programme of national, regional and digital activities.

One of the "Soldiers Stories" digital exhibits on the museum website reveals the poignant  history of Regimental Sergeant Major Arthur Harrington of Bowes Park.

Originally from Hampshire Harrington joined the 5th (City of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade).

He and his wife, Florence Margaret, were living at Westbury Road in Bowes Park, with their daughter when war was declared in 1914. Harrington died in battle before he was able to meet his second child, who was born in April 1915. Though his body was never recovered his name is listed on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres.

The National Army Museum website includes photographs and reproduces his handwritten letters - in one he assures his wife that the local people of Bowes Park will be kindly and supportive whilst he was serving overseas: "The society of those people in the neighbourhood whom we know ... will minimise the feelings of lonliness and the inclination to mope which must attack you at times"  I hope her neighbours were able to offer some comfort to the young family who lost a husband and father on active service a century ago.

• Read more about Regimental Sergeant Major Arthur Harrington on the National Army Museum website - and view more photographs and his handwritten letters home.