THE graves of two British soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War were formally rededicated in France.
Rededication services were held for Captain (Capt) Martin Warren, from Worcester, at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Pargny British Cemetery, and for Lance Corporal (LCpl) Arthur Mantle, from Nottingham, at CWGC Joncourt East British Cemetery near Saint Quentin.
Organised by the Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the MOD War Detectives, the services were led by Father Terkura Igbe CF, Chaplain to 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment.
Serving soldiers from 4th Battalion The Mercian Regiment and The Rifles were also in attendance.
Rosie Barron, JCCC Caseworker, said: “It has been an honour to work with The Mercian Regiment to arrange these rededication services.
“Both Capt Warren and LCpl Mantle were just 20 years old when they died in the last year of the First World War.
“Until now their families have not known where their loved ones were buried. It is important to honour the memories of these men and for their families to know that they are resting peacefully amongst their comrades.”
Father Terkura Igbe CF added: “I am convinced that the greatest of society, and indeed of nations, is constructed on the genuine sacrifices of individuals who understand the importance of values and the call to duty.
“At the prime of their lives, Capt Warren and LCpl Mantle were involved in a history-making event that would be one of the key defining moments on the European continent.
“Today, they are physically no longer, but spiritually they are among us.
“I am privileged to be part of these re-dedication services in honour of our fallen comrades as their memories are now consolidated through the mark of known headstones.”
Capt Martin Warren was born in Worcester on May 7 1897. He attended at King’s School Worcester and worked in the laboratory at Hill, Evans & Co Vinegar Factory.
He was Commissioned into 5th Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment in May 1915, on his 18th birthday.
He arrived on the Western Front in November 1915, and was attached to 1st Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment, and rose to the rank of captain before the German Spring Offensive of March 1918.
On March 24 1918, the 1st Battalion was holding a line of defence along the Somme Canal at Pargny. Capt Warren was mortally wounded during heavy fighting. He was 20 years old.
His body was initially buried by German forces. After the war, his remains were moved to Pargny British Cemetery and interred as an unknown captain of The Worcestershire Regiment.
He was previously commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial.
The service was attended by his great-nephew, Paul Watkins. He said: “We are deeply honoured to represent Capt Martin Warren’s family at his rededication ceremony.
“We feel a deep sense of pride knowing that our Great Uncle has finally been identified and is now properly laid to rest with the dignity of a named headstone. It is a privilege to lay a wreath in recognition of his ultimate sacrifice.
“We are deeply thankful to everyone who has worked so diligently to identify our Great Uncle’s final resting place and trace our family.”
The identification of both men’s graves followed detailed submissions from researchers to the CWGC.
After further analysis by the CWGC, the National Army Museum, and JCCC, the evidence was confirmed, allowing the Commission to restore their names to their places of rest.
The CWGC has now installed new headstones bearing their names and will care for their graves in perpetuity.
