WWI Hero’s Grave Finally Marked After 100 Years
The grave of First World War soldier Serjeant William Clay Cubberley, aged 28, has been officially marked over a century after he died. Sjt Cubberley served with the 2nd Battalion, The Worcestershire Regiment.
‘MOD War Detectives’ Solve Century-Old Mystery
The rededication service took place today (22 March 2023) at Perth Cemetery (China Wall) near Ypres, Belgium. It was organised by the Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), nicknamed the ‘MOD War Detectives’.
Sjt Cubberley’s remains were originally buried as unidentified back in 2017. Rosie Barron, a JCCC caseworker attending her first service, spent five years investigating the soldier’s identity after being frustrated that he had no name on his grave.
“After speaking with Belgian archaeologist Simon Verdegem in 2021, I completely reinvestigated the case,” Rosie said. “Simon provided crucial details about the find spot that helped nail the ID. We are proud to have restored Sjt Cubberley’s name. His family had a proud legacy in The Worcestershire Regiment. It’s been a privilege to organise this rededication service and remember him today.”
From Unknown Soldier to Named Hero
The remains were discovered in 2012 during pipeline work near Waterstraat. Buttons and shoulder badges confirmed the soldier belonged to The Worcestershire Regiment, with a crown insignia suggesting a serjeant major rank. DNA tests failed to identify him, so he was buried as an unknown soldier in 2017.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, JCCC reviewed cold cases. Rosie confirmed the 2nd Battalion was indeed at the find site during late September 1917. Though no serjeant majors from the battalion went missing, three serjeants did. DNA from the families of these three revealed a match with John Cubberley, Sjt Cubberley’s great nephew.
John Cubberley said: “I’m immensely proud to carry the Cubberley name. I’m eternally grateful to JCCC, who went above and beyond to identify Serjeant Cubberley’s grave. My grandfather must be at peace now knowing his brother has been found. Thanks to the MOD and the CWGC for honouring those who fought bravely and were lost.”
Remembering a Brave Soldier’s Final Stand
The rededication was led by Reverend Daniel Njuguna, Chaplain to the 1st Battalion, The Mercian Regiment. Serving and retired Mercian Regiment members attended the moving ceremony.
Reverend Njuguna said: “Today we recognise the life and sacrifice of Sjt William Clay Cubberley. His resting place is no longer unknown, thanks to the dedication of the JCCC and everyone involved. It’s an honour to express our gratitude on behalf of many.”
Sjt Cubberley started with 1st Battalion but transferred to 2nd Battalion during WWI. Although not officially promoted to Company Serjeant Major, evidence suggests he may have earned the rank in battle and died before it was recorded.
On 24 September 1917, during the brutal Third Battle of Ypres, the 2nd Battalion took over lines near Veldhoek, preparing for an assault. They were heavily shelled the next day as the Germans attacked. The battalion repelled the attack despite intense fire. Sadly, Sjt Cubberley died on 26 September amidst this chaos when the HQ at Inverness Copse was bombarded.
War diaries note the scene: “To carry on in the open under such fire was impossible. The ground was churned, and even bodies disappeared.” The battalion suffered heavy losses with 55 men dead during that period, 48 still missing and commemorated at the Tyne Cot Memorial.
CWGC Pays Tribute to War Detective Effort
Claire Horton, Director General of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, praised the team’s dedication:
“We are incredibly grateful to the War Detectives and to Mr Verdegem for identifying Sjt Cubberley’s final resting place more than 100 years after his death. His grave can now bear his name. This rededication renews our vow to care for his grave and those of his comrades, forever.”
