Unidentified Leicestershire soldier buried in France

A BURIAL service has been held for an unidentified First World War soldier from Leicestershire at St Mary’s ADS Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery in France.

The service, organised by the Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), was delivered by the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglican Regiment Chaplain the Reverend Roy Burley, a bugler from the Royal Anglican band and a representative from The Royal Leicestershire Regiment Association.

Another unattached unknown soldier was also buried alongside him.

The remains of the unknown solider were discovered in Auchy-LesMines in February this year but, despite extensive research, the JCCC were unable to identify him.

The Leicestershire Regiment played an early role in the Battle of Loos in 1915 and, despite the initial success, from 1/4th Leicester Regiment 32 officers and 628 other ranks were killed in what is referred to as Leicester’s Darkest Day, which is still commemorated by the Regimental Association.

Rev Burley said: “We have been reminded in recent years of the sacrifice our armed forces undertake in places such as Afghanistan and Iraq, and so it is just as important that today we remember the sacrifice of soldiers who died nearly a century ago, bringing them to their final resting place.”

Beverley Simon, from JCCC, said: “We owe a huge debt to those who fought in the Great War and we at JCCC take immense pride in ensuring all those who died in the service of their country are laid to rest with the appropriate dignity, ceremony and respect.”

The headstones for the unknown soldiers have been provided by The Commonwealth War Graves Commission who will now care for them.