A Sherwood Forester soldier who fought and died at the Somme during the First World War has been buried in France.
The soldier, who was in the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment, was buried alongside another soldier from an unknown regiment who also died at the Somme.
The soldiers been not been identified but Ministry of Defence's Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) believe both of them were killed in September 1916 during fighting in the area.
While it was not possible to identify the Sherwood Forester, it is believed that he was most likely a member of the 2nd Battalion of that regiment. However, there are still too many members of that battalion missing in the area from that period to identify him.
The first service for the unknown solider took place on Tuesday, April 16 at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Guards’ Cemetery (CWGC) in Lesboeufs.
The unknown Sherwood Forester was buried on Wednesday, April 17 at Guillemont Road Cemetery.
Reverend Tim Flowers, chaplain to 4th Battalion of the Mercian Regiment, who conducted the services, said: “It is a tremendous honour and privilege for me today to conduct the funeral service of one our fallen comrades over 100 years since he fell in battle. He is known unto God.”
The remains of both soldiers were discovered on the edge of the village of Ginchy, during work on a wind turbine project. Whilst one soldier was identified as being a Sherwood Forester through artefacts found with his remains, no artefacts were found with the other soldier. His identity and regiment remain unknown.
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Rosie Barron, of the JCCC, said: “It has been a privilege to organise these burial services here on the Somme. Although the identities of these two soldiers remain unknown, it is only right that they are afforded the burial and recognition that they deserve.
"They are now at rest amongst their comrades who lived and fought with them in the cause of freedom."
Mel Donnelly, CWGC commemorations manager said:“ These two soldiers, unknown but not forgotten, have been laid to rest alongside their comrades in Guards’ Cemetery and Guillemont Road Cemetery with honour and dignity.
"The Commonwealth War Graves Commission will ensure that their sacrifice is not forgotten and their graves, together with all of those who served and fell, are cared for in perpetuity."
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