Forgotten WWI Heroes Laid to Rest After Century
In a stirring ceremony at Belgium’s Messines Ridge Cemetery today, the Ministry of Defence’s ‘War Detectives’ finally laid three long-lost World War I soldiers to rest. These men, who died nearly 106 years ago, were recovered from a Belgian potato farm during an archaeological dig.
Potato Farm Dig Uncovers WWI Soldiers
The three soldiers belonged to the 9th (Glasgow Highland) Battalion, Highland Light Infantry. Archaeologists found their remains amid farming expansion work at Neuve Eglise. War diaries and recovered artefacts pinpoint their deaths to the bloody Battle of the Lys, between April 13-15, 1918.
Lance Sergeant Robert Brand’s Identity Confirmed
Thanks to painstaking DNA tests and detective work, one soldier was confirmed as Lance Sergeant Robert Brand, born in Stirling in 1893. Brand had joined the fight in November 1914 and survived a neck gunshot wound before his death. His great-niece Caroline Smith attended the burial, saying, “We’re proud and grateful. The MOD’s help and the chance to say goodbye mean everything.”
The service was led by Rev’d David Jeal, who hailed the honour of giving these heroes a proper military farewell. The 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, provided full military honours, with pipers, buglers, and a bearer party paying tribute.
Appeal to Find Missing Soldier’s Family
Commonwealth War Graves Commission director Geert Bekaert vowed to maintain the graves for eternity, preserving the memory of Brand and his comrades. One soldier’s identity remains unknown. The JCCC urges anyone with links to Private Robert Campbell of the same battalion to come forward.
This emotional ceremony reminds us all of the sacrifices made and the generations who fought for our freedom.
