"He went over the top at Messines and survived, but copped it three weeks later.
"The King sent a telegram addressed simply to Mrs Major of Swing Bridge Hill. We now know that was here in Dannevirke."
The brothers said they could only imagine the hardship their grandmother faced, left to raise five children in a rental house, with no social welfare.
"She was dead at 42, broken-hearted and because of the hard work," Kevin said.
"If people think it's tough today then they should consider those who were left to cope 100 years ago.
"When our grandfather left for the war he had a family photo in his wallet which he put next to his heart and would look at it every morning in the trenches.
"He was shot through the heart and all we have left now is that photo and his wallet with the bullet hole in it."
Russ said he didn't think we paid enough homage to those who kept the home fires burning.
"I also look at the sacrifice our grandfather and so many others made and how now our politicians sell off our country far too easy," he said.
Both brothers were full of praise for Dannevirke's RSA and district council and the cenotaph and grounds.
"This is the nicest cenotaph anywhere in the world," Russ said. "And the dawn service was beautiful."
For ex-soldier Bonnie Bodley, who is almost 97, the service brings a lot of sadness, with so few old comrades left.
"But I've great memories, which are all positive," he said.
"Memories of war are always there, but I know how lucky I am to still be here and have good family around me.
"My memories, so many of them, are what keep me going."
Mr Bodley said he was amazed by the large crowd at the dawn service.
"It's terrific."