Finally laid to rest after 100 years

Source: Agencies | October 23, 2014, Thursday |

Online Edition

FIFTEEN British soldiers were buried in northern France on Wednesday - close to the spot where they were cut down by German machine gun fire exactly 100 years ago, as Daily Mail reported.

Proud descendants of the First World War Tommies attended a hugely moving ceremony in the village of Bois-Grenier, near Armentieres, on the Belgium border.

All the men served with the York and Lancaster regiment, and were killed in an October 1914 offensive during the so-called 'Race to the Sea'.

Their remains were finally found five years ago during building work between the nearby villages of Beaucamps Ligny and Radinghem, and 11 were identified through DNA.

On a bright, clear morning on Wednesday, a bugle played the Last Post, as all were buried with full military honors.

Referring to Private John Richmond, one of those buried, his great nephew, Barrie Richmond, said: 'I got this letter saying they matched the DNA, and Great Uncle John was one of the 58 in this trench in France.'

Mr Richmond, from Ravenshead, Nottinghamshire, added: 'It was mind blowing and humbling.'

Sue Raftree, of the Commemorations Team which finds descendants, said: 'DNA has made it much easier. We are rewarded by being able to identify more of our soldiers and to trace their families and give final closure.'

The inscription on Pte Richmond's headstone reads: 'He fell and was lost but now he is found. Rest in peace at last. His life given so that we might be free.'

Also buried was Pte William Butterworth, aged 36 when he died on 18 October 1914. He was one of four brothers killed in the war.

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Finally laid to rest after 100 years

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