Grave of Irish officer missing since 1918 identified in France

Serving members of RAF Halton attenting the service (Photo: Crown Copyright).

The previously un-named grave of an Officer from Ireland, who served with the Royal Air Force has been identified and rededicated in his name more than 108 years after his death.

A Rededication Service for Lieutenant Thomas Michael O’Neill, from Westmeath in Ireland, was organised by the UK MOD (JCCC) and took place on 20 May 2026 at CWGC Le Grand Beaumart Cemetery, Steenwerck, France. The service was supported by serving members of the Royal Air Force.

JCCC Caseworker, Nicola Nash, said: “I am grateful to the researcher who originally submitted evidence suggesting the location of the grave of this officer. Although we were unable to find any of Lt O’Neill’s family to attend the service today, members of his RAF family were here to pay their respects and honour his sacrifice. We will remember them.”

A newly inscribed CWGC headstone now marks his final resting place to be cared for in perpetuity.

Polly Brewster, CWGC Commemorations Case Officer said: “The CWGC is honoured to have contributed to the research which has led to the identification of Lieutenant O’Neill, who made the ultimate sacrifice more than a century ago. His new headstone, crafted by our Headstone Production Unit team, will commemorate him by name at his final resting place in perpetuity. This stands as a reaffirmation of our continued commitment to the dignified commemoration of all those who fell during both World Wars.”

The new headstone of Lt. T.M. O’Neill (Photo: Crown Copyright), Lieutenant Thomas Michael O’Neill (copyright unknown).

Lieutenant Thomas Michael O’Neill 1 May 1892 – 8 May 1918

Thomas was born on 1 May 1892 in Westmeath, Ireland to Patrick O’Neill and Bridget Gaynor. He was the youngest of seven siblings, growing up on a farm in Reynella, Clonlost. The 1911 census records Thomas as living on Prussia Street, Dublin, working as a shop assistant.

Thomas was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on 28 June 1915 and joined the 9th Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers. He served the next seven months in the UK before going overseas in December 1915. In July 1916, Thomas returned to the UK to join the Royal Flying Corps at Oxford. He graduated from Central Flying School on 27 December 1916 and served in a number of Home Defence Squadrons. His name appears in at least one report of an attack on German night bombers in 1917, flying his Sopwith Camel. In March 1918, Thomas travelled to France to join 43 Squadron, nicknamed the Fighting Cocks.

On 8 May 1918, Thomas was out on Offensive Patrol just after midday when his 43 Squadron Sopwith Camel patrol was attacked by German Triplanes. He was last seen out of control east of Bailleul. He was subsequently listed as missing and commemorated on the Arras Flying Services Memorial.

Subsequent research submitted by a member of the public has shown that Thomas was originally buried at Steenwerck German Military Cemetery. After the war, he was one of 112 individuals concentrated from there to Le Grand Beaumart Cemetery, France. Although he was initially recorded as being a Lieutenant of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, attached to the Royal Air Force, the final Graves Registration Report only listed him as an unknown Officer of the RAF. Lieutenant Thomas Michael O’Neill was the only possible candidate for this grave, and the headstone has been changed accordingly.

Padre Helene Grant rededicates the grave of Lt.T.M. O’Neill (Photo: Crown Copyright).