British World War One Soldiers Buried with Honour

A poignant ceremony in France marked the burial of two World War One soldiers more than a century after their deaths. Serjeant John Smith of Gloucestershire and Gunner Charles Lightfoot of Edinburgh, whose remains were discovered in a cave near Chassemy, were laid to rest with full military honours at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Vendresse British Cemetery.

Discovery and Identification

The journey to identify Serjeant Smith and Gunner Lightfoot began in 2015 when French archaeologists stumbled upon a cave inscription near Chassemy, which led to the discovery of two sets of remains. The inscription read:

“15 Sept 1914, Here lies Sjt Smith and 3 Gnrs, 29th Battery RFA”.

Despite referencing four casualties, only two remains were found. Through meticulous genealogy and DNA testing, the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’, identified the remains as those of Smith and Lightfoot.

Historical Context

Both soldiers were part of the 29th Battery Royal Field Artillery. Their unit landed in Rouen shortly after the war began in 1914 and quickly moved towards Belgium, eventually reaching the Aisne region.

On September 13, 1914, their unit was heavily shelled while moving through the Braine area, leading to their untimely deaths. Historical records indicated that the 29th Battery lost four men during these days, but only Smith and Lightfoot’s remains were recovered and identified.

Gunners Adams and Blyth, who also perished, remain missing and are commemorated on the memorial to the missing at La Ferté-sous-Jouarre.

The Burial Ceremony

The solemn ceremony at Vendresse British Cemetery was attended by various dignitaries, military personnel, and family members. Alexia Clark, a key figure in the JCCC, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to provide a dignified burial for the soldiers and closure for their families.

Reverend Roger Grafton, Chaplain to the 14th Regiment Royal Artillery, led the service, reflecting on the honour of laying two fellow gunners to rest. Mel Donnelly, Head of Commemorations at the CWGC, praised the collaborative efforts that led to the identification and burial of the soldiers.

Quotes from Key Figures

• Alexia Clark, MOD War Detective: “It has been a privilege to work on this case, and to be able to give these men the dignified burial they deserve, whilst offering closure to their family members.”
• Reverend Roger Grafton, Chaplain: “To be able to lay two of our own to rest today after so many years is a particular privilege.”
• Mel Donnelly, CWGC: “We are thankful to everyone involved in helping to identify Sjt Smith and Gnr Lightfoot. It was moving and fitting to see them buried with full military honours.”

Significance and Remembrance

This burial ceremony underscores the enduring commitment to honouring the sacrifices of World War One soldiers. The efforts of the MOD War Detectives highlight the importance of remembering those who served and the ongoing quest to identify and properly commemorate war casualties.

The stories of Serjeant Smith and Gunner Lightfoot, brought to light through modern science and dedicated research, serve as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifices made by countless individuals during the Great War.

Table of the Events and Discoveries

In Conclusion

The burial of Serjeant John Smith and Gunner Charles Lightfoot is a touching tribute to their service and sacrifice. Their identification and honourable burial, made possible by the dedicated efforts of the MOD War Detectives, bring a sense of closure to their families and ensure that their bravery is remembered.

As we commemorate these soldiers, we also reflect on the countless others who served and sacrificed during World War One, whose stories and legacies continue to resonate through time.

Sources: THX News, Ministry of Defence & Veterans UK.