The close family of soldiers who had died in the First World War usually received a memorial scroll such as this. In this case the mother of Herman Rolfes received the scroll with his name inscribed in 1921. She had already received a small canvas bag with his personal effects and a letter of condolence from the chaplain of the Canterbury Infantry Regiment in which her son had served. Subsequently, she was sent the two medals that he had earned. Most close relatives were also sent a photograph of their fallen soldier's grave. Such mementos became treasured possessions for thousands of grieving parents.