First World War soldier buried with full honours after being identified by leather belt
A century-old leather belt has helped the MOD's war detectives identify a British soldier killed during the First World War – leading to his burial with full military honours in Belgium more than 100 years after he fell.
Private Harry James Birch, from Sefton in Merseyside, was 29 when he died on 22 October 1917 during the Third Battle of Ypres, serving with the 16th Battalion, The Cheshire Regiment.
His remains were uncovered during roadworks near Poelcapelle in 2018, alongside the bodies of four unidentified soldiers.
Among the items found with him was a worn leather belt, still bearing traces of a regimental number and part of a name.
That small clue was enough to launch an investigation by the MOD's Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) – known as the war detectives.
They confirmed Pte Birch's identity using DNA from a great-nephew.
On Wednesday, Pte Birch was finally laid to rest at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's Poelcapelle British Cemetery near Ypres, in a ceremony organised by the JCCC.
Alexia Clark, who led the investigation, said: "It has been a privilege to organise this burial service for Pte Birch.
"When you consider the half a million men still missing from the First and Second World Wars, every one we can identify feels like an achievement."
The four other soldiers discovered with him could not be identified but were buried with equal honours.
In total, 2,068 men lost their lives in Belgium between 22 and 24 October 1917, and more than 1,000 of those remain missing.
Reverend Gary Birch, Senior Chaplain at HQ South West, officiated the service.
"It is always a sobering privilege to officiate at any service person's funeral, but even more so to give a WWI soldier the proper dignity and respect they deserve," he said.
Dr Daniel Seaton from the CWGC added: "We are deeply honoured to have these four unknown soldiers and Private Birch of the Cheshire Regiment laid to rest. Their graves will be cared for by us, in perpetuity."
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