Six WW1 soldiers laid to rest with full military honours more than a century after their deaths

Six soldiers who were killed in the First World War have been buried with full military honours more than a century after their deaths.

Only two of the six have been identified after the remains were found during an archaeological survey in northern France in 2023.

MOD War Detectives used DNA evidence to identify two of the soldiers after the discovery was made at Tilloy-les-Mofflaines.

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Closure for families 

Relatives of Private George Fleming Brock and Private Percy Todd – both of the 11th Battalion of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders – gathered at the service.

The service was organised by the MOD's Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the MOD War Detectives, who work to identify the recovered remains of British military casualties.

Nicola Nash, MOD War Detective, said: "Private Brock and Private Todd have both been buried today, 108 years after they were killed.  

"With half a million British servicemen still missing from World War 1, every identity we make is a huge achievement. 

"It has been a real privilege to give closure to their families and lay these heroes to rest with honour."

Private Brock was from Dunipace near Falkirk and was just 19 when he lost his life.

He enlisted in 1916 and was seriously wounded only a month into service before rejoining his unit in January 1918. 

In March of that year, the Germans made a major offensive and positions in the area were overwhelmed by intense bombardment.

Private Todd, meanwhile, was from Radford in Nottinghamshire and enlisted in 1915.

He was also wounded in the Battle of Arras in 1917 and rejoined the battalion in February 1918.

Less than two months later, he was killed during the German offensive.

Care for graves in perpetuity

Relatives gathered in France for the ceremony to bury the six men, with soldiers from the 4th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland helping lay the men to rest.

David Royle, Recoveries and Ceremonies Manager at CWGC, said: "For 108 years, these six men lay where they fell on the battlefield. 

"It is a privilege and a source of great pride for the CWGC to have recovered them and worked alongside the JCCC in the effort to restore their identities. 

"While four of these soldiers sadly remain unidentified, they are not forgotten. 

"We will care for their graves, and for those of Private Todd and Private Brock, in perpetuity, ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to honour and remember their sacrifice."