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MOD War Detectives The MOD War Detectives are a small group of dedicated Ministry of Defence personnel based at Imjin Barracks

At 2pm this afternoon a burial service was held at Serre Road Cemetery No.2 in France for an unknown soldier of the West...
14/10/2026

At 2pm this afternoon a burial service was held at Serre Road Cemetery No.2 in France for an unknown soldier of the West Yorkshire Regiment who gave his life in the first world war.

In the winter of 2025 – 2026 human remains were discovered on the edge of a freshly ploughed field about a kilometre south of the Thiepval Memorial. Since the remains had been disturbed by a plough, it was impossible to fully understand the context of the find and to relate the artefacts to the soldier conclusively. However, a shoulder title found near the remains indicated possible service with the West Yorkshire Regiment, and this was strengthened by the presence of a belt with the letters WYR marked on it, also found near the casualty. An entrenching tool issued prior to July 1916 and first-issue webbing gave some clues as to when this soldier might have been equipped, but there was no clue as to his personal identity.

The recovery location was immediately adjacent to the Leipzig Redoubt, and records of the West Yorkshire Regiment show that various battalions were tasked with capturing Thiepval including the Leipzig Salient on the 1st July 1916, and remained in the line in this area until 17 July, before revisiting the area again in August of the same year.

Research showed that more than 1000 men of the West Yorkshire Regiment are named on the Thiepval Memorial, having died in the period 1 July 1916 – 31 August 1916. A further 745 men of the same regiment died on other dates from September 1915 to March 1918, and also remain missing.

With such an extensive list of potential candidates, and nothing in the way of artefactual evidence to point to his identity it proved impossible to identify the man. Nonetheless, he gave his life in the service of his country, fighting for freedom and peace. Whilst his identity remains known only to God, today he was buried by a party from the Royal Yorkshire Regiment – his military family, with full military honors.

Today at 2pm LCpl Claude Stanley Dell was buried at Poelcapelle British Cemetery. Claude was born on 23 November 1889 in...
13/10/2026

Today at 2pm LCpl Claude Stanley Dell was buried at Poelcapelle British Cemetery.

Claude was born on 23 November 1889 in London, the fourth of five brothers. By 1911 the family had moved north to Scarborough where the brothers were locally acclaimed as excellent swimmers. Several of them were working in the grocery trade, and several were also members of the local territorial army branch.

At the outbreak of war in 1914 Claude and his two closest brothers - Charles and Guy - joined the 5th Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment which was formed from the Scarborough territorials. They spent some months training intensively, and on 17 April 1915 they departed from Newcastle bound for the Western Front. They arrived on the Ypres Salient on 23 April and immediately found themselves caught up in fierce fighting. On 25 April Claude and a small number of other men, led by Captain Barber, went forward under fire to offer support to the Durham Light Infantry who had been trying to capture a farmhouse. Initially they gained ground, but ultimately they were forced back by heavy machine gun fire. Ten men lost their lives that day, including Claude who was just 25 years old.

Claude's brothers wrote home to tell their mother that Claude had been killed doing his duty and that he would be buried behind the lines, however his burial place was not recorded and at the end of the war his name was carved on to the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing.

In 2021 remains were recovered near St Juliaan along with artefacts suggesting they belonged to a man who had served with 5th Bn The Yorkshire Regiment. Intensive research and DNA testing finally revealed that Claude was the man who had been found and today, finally he has received a peaceful burial, amongst his pals, and in the presence of his great-niece and her family.

The service was supported by serving soldiers of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment, a bugler from the Band of the Yorkshire Regiment and Padre David Jeal of the Royal Dragoon Guards. It was also attended by Defence Attache Col. Nick Thom, the local mayor, a representative of the Belgian military, members of the archaeological team who recovered the remains, the Ypres branch of the Royal British Legion, CWGC and the New Ypres League.

On Wednesday 7 October at 11.00am, we rededicated the graves of four crew members of Lancaster PD374 at Commonwealth War...
09/10/2026

On Wednesday 7 October at 11.00am, we rededicated the graves of four crew members of Lancaster PD374 at Commonwealth War Graves Commission Venray War Cemetery, the Netherlands.

On 8 November 1944, Lancaster PD374 of No. 218 Squadron RAF took off from RAF Methwold as part of a bombing raid against the Neerbeck oil plant in Germany. Over the target, the aircraft was struck by intense anti-aircraft flak and caught fire. Despite severe damage, the crew fought to keep the aircraft airborne long enough for others to escape.

Four crew members managed to bail out, with three later becoming POWs. Tragically, one was killed on the ground. The remaining crew members lost their lives when the Lancaster crashed near Horstgen.

Among those who made the ultimate sacrifice were:

Flying Officer Leslie Markland Hough (RAAF), the Australian pilot who remained at the controls of the burning aircraft, allowing his crew every chance to escape.

Pilot Officer John Henry Tales, a Sheffield-born flight engineer who had already completed a full operational tour but volunteered to return to operations because, as he said, the RAF had become his family.

Sergeant Henry Charles Burnside, remembered by the surviving crew members for his immaculate appearance and professionalism.

Seargeant John "Geordie" Lawson, a former Durham miner whose cheerful personality made him a popular member of the crew.

Following the war, confusion over the location of their original graves meant the fallen airmen were not correctly identified. Decades later, detailed research by both the British and the Australians helped resolve these long-standing errors, ensuring the crew of Lancaster PD374 will be remebered by not only their family, but also the local people of Venray, who work hard to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.

Attending the service were representatives from the family members of the crew, the Royal Air Force, as well as the British and Australian Governments.

Yesterday, we rededicated the graves of Private Sidney Allen, 7th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment and Lance Corporal Ronal...
07/10/2026

Yesterday, we rededicated the graves of Private Sidney Allen, 7th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment and Lance Corporal Ronald Smirthwaite, Hallamshire Battalion, The York and Lancaster Regiment.

Sidney Allen was born in St Germans, Cornwall, on 6 September 1925. He left school to work alongside his father as a Shell Fitter at HM Dockyard in Plymouth before enlisting in the Army in February 1944. Joining the 7th Battalion, Hampshire Regiment in Normandy, he fought through some of the hardest campaigns of the war, including the advance through France, Operation Market Garden, and the battle of the Reichswald during Operation Veritable.

On 15 February 1945, aged just 19, Sidney was killed during fierce fighting near Cleve and the Reichswald Forest. His body was never recovered, and he was officially recorded as missing. Decades later, detailed research from a member of the public helped identify his original grave in CWGC Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany, ensuring his sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Ronald Smirthwaite was born in Sheffield in 1922, and was one of eight children. He joined the Army in May 1944, intially into the General Service Corps employed as a blacksmith's striker, an occupation described as providing the muscle to the blacksmith's skilled work. He then joined the Hallamshire Battalion, the York and Lancaster Regiment of the famous 49th (West Riding) "Polar Bear" Division.

After fighting through France, Belgium and the Netherlands, Ronald took part in Operation Veritable, the Allied offensive into Germany in February 1945. During fierce fighting near the flooded farm of De Hoeven, his position came under heavy German attack. Captured after a determined defence, Ronald escaped from a boat carrying prisoners by diving into the icy water, hoping to make his way back to British line. Tragically, he never returned.

His body was later found nearby, but an error in the spelling of his surname meant he was buried as an unknown soldier. As with Sidney Allen, detailed research from a member of the Dutch Recovery & Identification Unit helped identify his original grave in Commonwealth War Graves Commission Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Netherlands.

The service was led by Royal Army Chaplains' Department Reverend Paul Garnell CF, and supported by representatives from the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment and the Yorkshire Regiment. The Last Post was played by a musician from the the Mercian Regiment Band

This week rededication services were held in France for 5 soldiers who went missing during the Battle of Normandy. The s...
02/10/2026

This week rededication services were held in France for 5 soldiers who went missing during the Battle of Normandy. The services were conducted by the Rev Paul Collins CF Chaplain to 5th Battalion The Ri**es and were supported by serving soldiers of 5th Battalion The Ri**es, 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment and 2 SCOTS - Pipes, Drums & Bugles.

The first service was held on Tuesday 29 September 2026 at St Charles de Percy War Cemetery for Private George Chapman of 1st Battalion The Herefordshire Regiment. Private Chapman was born in Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire in 1920. He was killed on 30 July 1944 during Operation Bluecoat. He was 24 years old.

The second service took place on 30 September 2026 at Bayeux War Cemetery to rededicate the grave of Private Vincent Coia of 7th Battalion The Seaforth Highlanders. Vincenzo Coia was born in Glasgow in 1925 to Italian parents. He was killed near Hill 112 on 11 July 1944 during Operation Jupiter. He was 19 years old.

Another service was held at Bayeux War Cemetery on 30 September 2026 to rededicate the grave of Lance Corporal Reginald Cyril Dewey of 4th Battalion The Lincolnshire Regiment. Lance Corporal Dewey was born in Bourne in Lincolnshire in 1918. He was married and had a young daughter. He was killed on 1 July 1944 near Tessel Bretteville. He was 26 years old.

The fourth service was held at Hottot-les-Bagues War Cemetery on 1 October 2026 for Serjeant Frederick Albert Harrison of 2nd Battalion The Dorsetshire Regiment. Serjeant Harrison was born in 1917 in Stamford, Lincolnshire. He enlisted into the Army in 1934 and had served in India, Malta, North Africa, Sicily and Italy before landing at Gold Beach on D Day. He was killed on 19 June 1944 when his battalion attacked near the Chateau Cordillon. He was 27 years old.

The final service took place at Ranville War Cemetery on 1 October 2026 for Corporal Henry Thomas Read of 8th Battalion The R***e Brigade. Corporal Harrison was born in 1916 in Poplar, London, and left behind a widow and 6 month old son. He was wounded at Hubert-Folie during Operation Goodwood and died of wounds later that day. He was 28 years old.

We were also pleased to be hosted by the British Normandy Memorial and to hold a commemoration there for all 5 men on 30 September 2026 with the families present.

Thank you to the many organisations who attended these services and made JCCC, the families and the military party so welcome. Particular thanks to the Normandy, France Branch - Royal British Legion for their help throughout the week and to the Merville Battery for hosting us.

Today at 11.00 hours, the burial of six Scottish soldiers took place at Commonwealth War Graves Commission Point-Du-Jou...
24/09/2026

Today at 11.00 hours, the burial of six Scottish soldiers took place at Commonwealth War Graves Commission Point-Du-Jour Military Cemetery, France. Two of the soldiers were identified by DNA testing as Private George Fleming Brock and Private Percy Todd, both of 11th Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.

George Fleming Brock grew up at the Bandeath Colliery in Fallin, Scotland. His father and several of his brothers worked at the colliery, whilst George recieved his early education at Fallin Public School. He went on to win the Dux Medal for exceptional academic achievement. When the war broke out, he was serving an architectural apprenticeship with the Stirling firm of Messrs Bruce & Livingstone.

George enlisted on 17 June 1916, the day before his 18th birthday. In September 1917, he joined the 11th Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in France. Just a month later, Pte Brock suffered from a serious gunshot wound and was sent to hospital. He rejoined the battalion in January 1918. On 28 March 1918, Pte Brock's battalion were holding positions in the area of Tilloy-les-Mofflaines when the sector came under intense enemy bombardment. It was on this day that Pte Brock lost his life, aged just nineteen.

Percy Todd grew up in Radford, Nottinghamshire with his parents and 12 brothers and sisters. When he left home, he moved to London and became a draper's assistant with Rutter Bros on Walworth Road in Southwark. In 1907, he married Alice Maud Powell, a cashier at the same firm. By the time he enlisted in the army, Percy had advanced considerably, and was holding the position of draper's manager at Bryan's drapery in Isleworth.

Percy enlisted on 10 November 1915 and eventually embarked for France in January 1917, where he joined the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. He was fighting with the 11th Battalion when he was wounded on the fiest day of the Battle of Arras on 9 April 1917. He rejoined his battalion in February 1918 but tragically lost his life during the German Spring Offensive on 5 April 1918.

Both Pte Brock and Pte Fleming was listed as missing after their deaths. In 2023, during an archaeological survey in Tilloy-les-Mofflaines, three British First World War casualties were recovered having been buried together. Found with them were a variety of artefacts identifying them as Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. At the same site, three other casualties were also recovered with artefacts suggesting they belonged to the Gordon Highlanders. Only Pte Brock and Pte Todd were able to be identified at this time, despite extensive DNA testing. The other four men were buried as unknown Scottish soldiers.

Today we were joined by 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, a piper and bugler from the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and the families of both Pte Brock and Pte Todd.

Today we rededicated the graves of Second Lieutenant Frank Fleming and Private George Pert, both of the Seaforth Highlan...
22/09/2026

Today we rededicated the graves of Second Lieutenant Frank Fleming and Private George Pert, both of the Seaforth Highlanders.

Pte Pert grew up in Ferryden, a traditional fishing village on the banks of the River Esk. His father and brothers were all fishermen, however, George worked at nearby Paton's Mill, a large flax factory, alongside his sister.

During the First World War, George joined the Seaforth Highlanders and served with the 7th Battalion. On 20 October 1918, when his Battalion had taken up positions east of Harlebeke, George lost his life during the intense fighting. His body was never recovered and he was officially listed as missing.

2Lt Fleming grew up on Hoe Bridge Farm in Woking, where his father was a farmer. However, by the time the 1911 census was taken, 2Lt Fleming was living in a boarding house in Stockwell, London, and working as a Market Clerk for a cocoa merchant.

2Lt Fleming also joined the Seaforth Highlanders during the First World War, and he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. In April 1918, he was attached to the 7th Battalion, who were situated in the area of the White Chateau near Hollebeke, Belgium. On 11 April 1918, 2Lt Fleming was seriously wounded, but steadfastly refused to allow the stretcher bearers to endanger themselves by carrying him to safety. He was unable to be recovered and was also listed as missing.

After members of the public submitted important research regarding these two men, we were able to finally identify their final resting places. Pte Pert is buried in Harlebeke New British Cemetery and 2Lt Fleming is buried in Voormezeele No. 3 Enclosure. Today we honoured these men, and remembered their sacrifices.

We are pleased to announce that the following burial and rededication services will be taking place in October 2026:6 Oc...
10/09/2026

We are pleased to announce that the following burial and rededication services will be taking place in October 2026:

6 October

11:00 - A rededication service for Private Sidney Allen of the 7th Battalion The Hampshire Regiment, killed in action on 15 February 1945, at Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Germany.

14:00 – A rededication service for Lance Corporal Ronald Smirthwaite of The Hallamshire Battalion, The York & Lancaster Regiment, killed in action on 22 February 1945, at Jonkerbos War Cemetery, Netherlands.

7 October

11:00 – A rededication service for members of the crew of Lancaster PD374: Flying Officer Leslie Markland Hough RAAF, Pilot Officer John Henry Tales RAFVR, Sergeant Henry Charles Burnside RAFVR and Sergeant John Lawson RAFVR, killed in action on 8 December 1944, at Venray War Cemetery, Netherlands.

13 October

14:00 – A burial service for Lance Corporal Claude Stanley Dell of 5th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, killed in action on 25 April 1915, at Poelcapelle British Cemetery, Belgium.

14 October

14:00 – A burial service for an unknown soldier of The West Yorkshire Regiment at Serre Road Cemetery No. 2, France.

20 October 2026

13:00 – A burial service for Private George McIntosh of 8th Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment, killed in action on 19 April 1917, and an unknown soldier of The Bedfordshire Regiment, at Loos British Cemetery Extension, France.

21 October 2026

11:00 – A burial service for Private Percy Tolliday of 11th Battalion The Middlesex Regiment, killed in action on 4 October 1916, and 2 unknown soldiers, at Warlencourt British Cemetery, France.

The following services will take place in September 2026:22 September10:30 - a rededication service for Private George P...
21/08/2026

The following services will take place in September 2026:

22 September
10:30 - a rededication service for Private George Pert, 7th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders at Harlebeke New British Cemetery, Belgium.

14:00 - a rededication service for Lieutenant Frank Fleming, 4th Battalion (attd. 7th Battalion) Seaforth Highlanders at Voormezeele Enclosure No. 3, Belgium.

24 September
11:00 - a burial service for Private George Fleming Brock and Private Percy Todd, both of 11th Battalion The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, as well as two unknown soldiers of The Gordon Highlanders, and a further two unknown Scottish soldiers. This service will take place at Point du Jour Cemetery, France.

29 September
11:00 - a rededication service for Private George Chapman of 1st Battalion The Herefordshire Regiment at St Charles-de-Percy War Cemetery, France.

30 September
10:00 - a rededication service for Private Vincent Coia of 7th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders at Bayeux War Cemetery, France.

10:45 - a rededication service for Lance Corporal Reginald Cyril Dewey of 4th Battalion The Lincolnshire Regiment at Bayeux War Cemetery, France.

1 October
10:00 - a rededication service for Serjeant Frederick Albert Harrison of 1st Battalion The Dorsetshire Regiment, at Hottot-les-Bagues War Cemetery, France.

14:00 - a rededication service for Corporal Henry Thomas Read of 8th Battalion The R***e Brigade at Ranville War Cemetery, France.

This week, with the support of 9 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps, four unknown Commonwealth soldiers who died during Worl...
17/07/2026

This week, with the support of 9 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps, four unknown Commonwealth soldiers who died during World War One have finally received peaceful and dignified burials.

At CWGC Poelcapelle British Cemetery on Wednesday 15 July, the remains of 3 men were buried. These men died in the Langemark-Poelcapelle area, most likely during the Third Battle of Ypres in August - September 1917 or during the Spring Offensive in April 1918. The men were recovered with very few artefacts - just a few buttons and fragments of uniform. Enough to tell us that they had served with a Commonwealth nation, but not enough to allow us to establish their nationality, let alone their regiment or personal identity.

At CWGC Hermies Hill British Cemetery on Thursday 16 July, one man was buried. His remains were found in a shell hole near the Canal du Nord. He most likely died in September 1918, but the area also saw action in April 1917 and March 1918, so he could also have died then. Like the three men from Poelcapelle, there were very few artefacts found with this man - and nothing at all which could help to identify him.

The services were led by Padre Mark Nightingale of 9RLC and the bearer party was also supplied by 9RLC. At both services we were pleased to be joined by local mayors or their representatives, Royal British Legion members, local veterans associations and other organisations or individuals keen to pay their respects and offer thanks for the sacrifices made by these men.

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