New Headstone to Recognise Tragic Death of Teenage Soldier

A new headstone for a 14-year-old First World War soldier has been installed at Canterbury City Cemetery by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).

A new headstone for a teenage First World War soldier who is now known to have died at just 14 years old has been installed in Canterbury City Cemetery by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). Private Alec Grigg lied about his age in order sign up to fight in the First World War, using his tall height and build to trick authorities into believing he was 19.

Private Grigg joined the The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) but never saw action. He died on 26 October 1915 after succumbing to what is believed to have been tetanus after cutting his finger while helping a friend put on his shoulder badge. His untimely and tragic death on home soil is a poignant reminder that not all servicemen and women who died during the World Wars did so on the battlefield.

On Tuesday 23 April the CWGC installed a new headstone at his grave in Canterbury that now includes his real age. The information came to light following research from the Historical Research Group of Sittingbourne who submitted their case to the CWGC for an amendment to its official war records.

Lynelle Howson, assistant historian at CWGC, said: “By lying about his age and signing up Private Alec Grigg had already made a commitment to put his life on the line for his country.

“The misfortune of how he died in no way diminishes that commitment and, as a serving member of the armed forces from the First World War, he will continue to be remembered forever by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission – his headstone now reflecting his tragically short life.

“Alec was sadly not alone. CWGC commemorates thousands of people who were known to be 16 or younger. Many more would have lied about their age making it likely we will never truly know how many underage and overage soldiers gave their lives.”

CWGC relies on the information supplied by military authorities at the time of death and it was not uncommon for young men to lie about their age in order sign up.