Three unknown First World War soldiers laid to rest

Burial services for three unknown Commonwealth soldiers found on the Western Front have taken place at Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension in France (2 June 26) and at Tyne Cot Cemetery in Belgium (3 June 26). 

The services were organised by the MOD's Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) and were supported by serving soldiers from Royal Horse Artillery. The services were conducted by the Reverend Mark Henderson CF, Chaplain to 32nd Regiment Royal Artillery. 

The Rev Mark Henderson said:

“To bury with dignity those who lost their lives in WW1 is a great honour to me personally.  I joined as a chaplain respecting the sacrifice of those in the past, but I was always touched visiting the graves of those with a cross and the inscription on it - Unknown soldier but known unto God. I am grateful to be a part of respecting them, their sacrifice and reminding me they are known unto the all seeing God I worship”

Image: Eric Compernolle BEM

The remains of the soldier buried in Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension were found in a shell crater near Cléry-sur-Somme during an archaeological survey. No regimental artefacts or any other items were found with the casualty which could assist with his identification beyond showing that he was a Commonwealth soldier. 

The  two soldiers laid to rest in Tyne Cot Cemetery were found buried in a shell hole during work at the side of Tresoriersstraat in Zonnebeke. Various artefacts were found with the remains including an Australian rising sun badge, a Cameron Highlanders shoulder title and various items of artillery equipment, including a belt marked ‘330 RFA’. 330th Brigade Royal Field Artillery was located at the find site between 8 and 13 October 1917 and the area remained on their medical evacuation route until the end of October. Despite DNA testing being carried out for most of the potential candidates from 330th Brigade as yet no match has been found and the identity of these men remains unknown. JCCC will continue with their efforts to identify these men.

Rosie Barron, JCCC Caseworker said:

“Although the identities of these three men remain unknown it is important that their sacrifice is honoured and that they have been laid to rest with military honours. It has been a privilege to work with The Royal Regiment of Artillery to ensure that their sacrifices are not forgotten and that they have been given the dignity and respect that their families would have wanted.”

The graves of all three men will now be cared for in perpetuity by CWGC.

David Royle, our Recoveries and Ceremonies Manager, said:

Burial services like those held this week are a powerful reminder of the cost and tragedy of the First World War. These soldiers were sons, brothers, fathers, husbands who left behind families and loved ones. Although not possible to identify them by name, despite best efforts, it is an honour for us to now lay them to rest among comrades, and to care for their graves in perpetuity.  

Read our blog to discover why Commemoration of the fallen of the world wars remains important today