Scottish sergeant's grave identified and marked after 108 years

The military party and family of Robert Sutherland at his graveside (Crown copyright).

More than a century after his death, the previously unmarked grave of Sjt Robert Sutherland has finally been identified and marked.

The rededication service, organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), was held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Highland Cemetery, Roclincourt on 9 July 2025.

Born in Brora, Robert joined the territorial army in December 1908 and was mobilised immediately when WWI began in August 1914. As part of the Seaforth Highlanders' 152nd Brigade, he fought in several major battles including Festubert, Givenchy, High Wood and the Ancre.

He died on the first day of the Battle of Arras (9 April 1917) and was buried in Highland Cemetery at Roclincourt. Though unidentified at burial, recent research confirms he is the only missing Serjeant of the 6th Bn Seaforth Highlanders lost in this area at that time, identifying him as the unknown Serjeant buried there.

His Commanding Officer later praised him in the Northern Times as "an excellent soldier" who "died gallantly" and was "one of the best Non-Commissioned Officers in the Battalion."

Capt Finn MacPherson reads the regimental Collect (Crown copyright).

JCCC Caseworker, Alexia Clark, said: “I am grateful to the researcher who originally submitted evidence suggesting the location of the grave of Sjt Sutherland. In rededicating his grave we have reunited his mortal remains with his names, in the presence of his family, ensuring that his sacrifice will not be forgotten.”

The headstone was replaced by CWGC and will be cared for in perpetuity.

Dr James Wallis, Head of Commemorations Casework at the CWGC, said: "The identification case for Serjeant Robert Sutherland, submitted by one of our regular researchers, was a privilege to investigate. With his name now engraved on a headstone that features a poignant tribute from his family, our gathering today allows for the rededication of his grave, and for us to remember the sacrifice he made alongside his comrades who lost their lives on the first day of the Battle of Arras."

Sjt Robert Sutherland (out of copyright), Col.Mark Lewis from the British Embassy gives a reading at the service (Crown copyright).