In a deeply moving ceremony held under autumn skies, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal paid tribute to fallen Scottish soldiers in northern France.
The event commemorated soldiers from Scottish regiments who fought during World War One, with a special focus on the newly inaugurated Loos British Cemetery Extension.
Honouring Scotland’s Brave at Loos British Cemetery
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), travelled to Loos-en-Gohelle, France, to honour soldiers laid to rest at the newly built cemetery extension.
The ceremony, held on 26 September 2024, was organised by the Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the “War Detectives.”
This extension was constructed to accommodate remains uncovered during hospital works, where several World War One soldiers, including many from Scottish regiments, were discovered.
The CWGC made history with this project, marking only the second time since World War Two that a new cemetery has been commissioned.
The Princess Royal formally inaugurated the cemetery and attended the burial of two unknown Scottish soldiers, one from The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) and another whose regiment remains uncertain.
Commemorating the Unnamed, Yet Never Forgotten
Despite the inability to identify many of the remains by name, the JCCC successfully established the discovery of 48 separate sets of remains from the site. Many artefacts, including kilt pins and regimental buttons, linked these fallen soldiers to Scottish regiments.
However, only two soldiers were buried in a public ceremony, as 46 others were laid to rest privately earlier in the summer.
Today’s event was particularly poignant for those with connections to The Black Watch and other Scottish regiments.
“It’s good that the soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Scotland are here today to bury their comrades in arms,”
said Padre David Anderson, Senior Chaplain of 51st Infantry Brigade.
Anderson, who previously served with The Black Watch, highlighted the significance of the ceremony for both veterans and serving soldiers.
A Moment of Reflection and Tribute
The inauguration ceremony at Loos British Cemetery included a full military service, complete with a firing party and the sound of a piper. HRH The Princess Royal was joined by representatives from the community and the Royal Regiment of Scotland in remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Claire Horton, Director General of the CWGC, expressed gratitude for The Princess Royal’s presence, noting,
“This occasion marks a significant milestone for the Commission, reflecting our unwavering commitment to honouring the sacrifices made by those who served.”
The ceremony served as a solemn reminder of the continuing efforts to commemorate those who fought for freedom, even more than a century later.
Facts about Loos British Cemetery Extension:
Details |
Information |
|---|---|
| Commissioned by | Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) |
| Date of Inauguration | 26 September 2024 |
| Number of remains discovered | 48 |
| Remains buried in public ceremony | 2 |
| Remains buried privately | 46 |
The Importance of Remembering
The CWGC’s mission to care for war graves worldwide ensures that soldiers from conflicts past are remembered with dignity and respect.
Stephan Naji, Head of CWGC’s Recovery Unit, remarked on the importance of this ongoing work:
“It’s an honour to participate in this continuous effort to recover and commemorate the casualties who fell in France.”
The cemetery stands as a testament to the bravery of soldiers from Scottish regiments who fought and died during World War One. As HRH The Princess Royal laid the final wreaths, the message was clear: even though their names are unknown, their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Parting Shot
The CWGC and JCCC continue their efforts to identify the remaining unknown soldiers and honour their memory. For relatives of those fallen, the efforts of the War Detectives offer the possibility of closure and the chance to witness the reburial of loved ones.
While some soldiers may never be identified, the commitment to remembering them endures through ceremonies like this.
The Princess Royal’s participation highlights the deep respect the UK holds for those who served, and the dedication to ensuring that their legacy is preserved for future generations.
Sources: THX News, Ministry of Defence, Commonwealth War Graves Commission & Veterans UK.
