Grave of Angus soldier missing since 1918 identified in Belgium

Photo: Eric Compernolle BEM

The previously un-named grave of a soldier from Ferryden, Scotland who served with the Seaforth Highlanders been identified and rededicated 108 years after his death.

A rededication service for Private George Pert was organised by the UK MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) at CWGC Harlebeke New British Cemetery, Belgium.

Private Pert grew up in Ferryden, Scotland, a traditional fishing village on the bank of the River Esk before joining the Seaforth Highlanders during the First World War on the Western Front. Just a month before the end of the war, the Western Front saw a massive and rapid Allied advance during the final weeks of the Hundred Days Offensive that forced the German army into continuous retreat. It was on the 20th October 1918, during intense fighting around Harlebeke, that Private Pert tragically lost his life. Sadly his body was never recovered and he was officially recorded as missing. However, subsequent research submitted by a member of the public has show that Private Pert was actually buried east of Harlebeke and later concentrated to Harlebeke New British Cemetery after the war.

Photos: Eric Compernolle BEM

JCCC Caseworker, Nicola Nash said: “From a fishing village on the banks of the River Esk to the battlefields of Belgium, George Pert’s journey reflects the sacrifices made by ordinary people during the First World War. It was an honour to be there today to pay tribute to his life and service.”

George's headstone was replaced by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) and will be cared for in perpetuity.

Polly Brewster, CWGC Commemorations Case Officer said: "More than one hundred years after he made the ultimate sacrifice, CWGC are honoured to have supported the identification of Private George Pert’s final resting place. The personal inscription chosen by his family, “Gone too soon, but not forgotten,” serves as a moving tribute to the profound loss experienced by his loved ones. His rededication service today reaffirms the Commission’s enduring commitment to preserving the memory of all those who fell during the two World Wars."

Private George Pert – 23 June 1896 - 20 October 1918

George was born on 23 June 1896 in Craig, Forfarshire, Scotland to Robert and Helen Pert. He was one of 12 siblings, growing up in Ferryden, a traditional fishing village on the bank of the River Esk. Unsurprisingly, George’s father, and his older brothers all worked as line-fishermen, living within a stones throw of the harbour front. The 1911 census lists the 14 year old George, along with his older sister, working at Paton’s Mill, a large flax factory across the River Esk in Montrose. George's service record did not survive, and as a result, the date of his enlistment remains unknown.

Photo: Eric Compernolle BEM