News story
The final resting place of six soldiers killed in World War One have been identified and now been honoured in Services of Rededication at their graves around Ypres in Belgium on 18 and 19 October.
The service, of Cpl Pearce led by Rev Andy Nicolls, CF, is attended by members of the Mercian Regiment and representatives on behalf of the British Embassy – Crown copyright
The services were organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’, and were held at various Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) cemeteries. The services were conducted by The Reverend Andy Nicolls, CF and attended by representatives from the current day equivalents of these casualties’ regiments (Royal Fusiliers, the Mercian Regiment, Royal Logistics Corps and the Royal Regiment of Scotland).
Details of the six soldiers who have been identified:
| Name | Place of Birth | Regiment | Age at time of death |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Lieutenant Frank Wood | Royton, Oldham, Lancashire | 1st Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers | 19 |
| Private Thomas Parry | Tyldesley, Leigh, Lancashire | Kings Own Scottish Borderers | 19 |
| Private David Christie Graham | Angus, Scotland | 8th Battalion, Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) | 20 |
| Second Lieutenant Herbert Ernest Martin | Peterborough, Cambridgeshire | 16th (attached 1st/8th) Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) | 22 |
| Corporal Gilbert (Bert) Willcocks | Taunton, Somerset | Army Service Corps | 24 |
| Corporal Herbert Pearce | Kent | 4th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment | 26 |
Louise Dorr, MOD JCCC case worker said:
“Our thanks go to several of our regular researchers, who have investigated these six graves and been able to prove who is buried in each of them. Thanks to their efforts we have been able to confirm their findings and return these soldiers’ names to them.
“I’m so honoured to have been able to be here to rededicate their final resting places.”
Stephen Gore, great nephew of Pte Parry is pictured with his wife Julie at the grave – Crown copyright
Although some of soldiers’ families live overseas or have been unable to attend, family members for Second Lieutenant Wood and Private Parry were in attendance. Each of these soldiers has also been well represented by their military family on behalf of a grateful nation.
The headstones over their graves will be replaced by CWGC as part of the rededication.
Wreaths are laid in tribute to Pte Graham – Crown copyright
Director for the Central and Southern European Area at the CWGC, Geert Bekaert, said:
“We are privileged to be able to honour these six brave men, who all paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting in the Great War. Thanks to the research and work of many, we are able to renew our commitment to care for these soldiers’ graves, in perpetuity”
Published 20 October 2022
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