First World War soldier laid to rest after his remains were found during roadworks

The remains of a British soldier killed during the First World War have finally been laid to rest more than a century after his death.

Rifleman Frederick Thomas Adams' body was discovered during roadworks in Passchendaele, Belgium, in 2018.

Rfn Adams, born in Brighton, Sussex, was a career soldier who had initially been wounded in 1914 but returned to the front in 1917.

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The Rifle Brigade soldier was killed during heavy shelling on 19 November 1917 and had been commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium after being declared missing. 

His remains were found with two chevrons, indicating that he may have either held the rank of corporal or that he may have been wearing or in possession of two Good Conduct Stripes.

The MOD's Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), known as the War Detectives, confirmed his identity using DNA provided by his first cousin twice removed, Bob Adams.

"I was intrigued to receive an email asking me to carry out DNA testing," Mr Adams said. "We are very proud to be related to someone with such a distinguished service record, and we want to give him the respect that he truly deserves."

Rfn Adams was reburied at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's Passchendaele New British Cemetery during a ceremony conducted by Reverend Huw Ryden, Chaplain to 3rd Battalion The Rifles, and attended by family and military personnel.

His coffin was carried by soldiers from 3 Rifles.

Rosie Barron from the JCCC, who led the research to identify Rfn Adams, said: "It has been an honour to work with The Rifles to give Rfn Adams the full military funeral that he deserves.

"May he now rest in peace alongside his comrades."