Soldiers finally to get rest after 100 years of heartache

AFTER ALMOST 100 years of heartache, families from across Yorkshire will finally be reunited with loved ones who were lost when they died in the First World War.

Ten soldiers, whose remains were found near the French village of Beaucamps-Ligny in 2009, have been identified and will be re-buried with full military honours at a Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in October.

The soldiers, who were killed in battle on October 18, 1914, were serving with 2nd Battalion 
The York and Lancaster Regiment. They were identified through DNA samples of surviving family.

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The discovery will allow the surviving relatives of the soldiers to see their forefathers laid to rest 100 years on.

Defence Minister Lord Astor of Hever said: “Although these soldiers fell almost a century ago, the Ministry of Defence still takes its responsibility extremely seriously to identify any remains found, trace and inform surviving relatives and to provide a fitting and dignified funeral.”

Families of Private Herbert Ernest Allcock from Leeds; Private John Brameld, from Sheffield; Corporal Francis Carr Dyson, from Wakefield; Private Walter Ellis, from Doncaster; and Private John Willie Jarvis and Private Ernest Oxer, both from Rotherham, will be invited to the 
burials. Work to identify other sets of remains is continuing.

The investigation team is keen to speak to families of Private 
Horace Foster, from Sheffield 
and Private Ross Jeff, born in Doncaster. Any relatives should call the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre team on 01452 712 612.

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