DNA used in identity quest

The discovery of Lance Corporal Morrison’s remains saw the Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) work for two years to uncover his identity.

Using the number detailed on the spoon, The Black Watch Museum archive was able to determine that a Black Watch soldier with the army number 5181 had died in Cuinchy at the same time as the personal effects suggested.

The JCCC was able to track down his 90-year-old nephew, Dr Ian Morrison, at his home in Dingwall and took DNA samples. They also traced his cousin, Sheila Thomson, to Forres, just a few miles from the infantryman’s former home.

The subsequent DNA testing confirmed the remains found on the fields of northern France did belong to Lance Corporal John Morrison, 1st Battalion, The Black Watch.