WW1 Hero Finally Laid to Rest Over a Century Later
More than 100 years after his death, Private Robert Kenneth Malcolm, a 23-year-old stretcher bearer from Stockton-on-Tees, has finally been given a proper military burial. His war medals were presented to his family at the moving service, bringing long-overdue closure to a forgotten hero of the First World War.
War Detectives Unearth Soldier’s Fate
The burial, organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) – nicknamed the ‘MOD War Detectives’ – took place after Private Malcolm was identified among remains found near Fusilier Wood. He was believed killed in shelling on 6 August 1917, but his body was never recovered at the time.
Though his medals were sent to his mother after WW1, they went undelivered and were destroyed. Thanks to the MOD Medal Office, these have now been reissued, including his 1914 Star with Clasp (‘5 Aug – 22 Nov 1914’), known as the ‘Mons Star’, plus his British War Medal and Victory Medal. The medals were placed on his coffin as he was carried to his resting place.
Family Reunion After DNA Breakthrough
Linda Jordan, Private Malcolm’s great-great-niece, was one of two relatives who provided a positive DNA match. She and her sister attended the service, describing the journey to find their long-lost ancestor as “fascinating and emotional.”
“Getting a letter five months ago from JCCC suggesting I could be related to a fallen WW1 soldier, whose body had been recently discovered, was quite a shock,” Linda said. “Our family never knew that our great grandmother had eleven siblings, one of whom was Pte Malcolm. It is amazing to see the care taken by the Army family to identify and honour him. Representing his family at the funeral was a privilege and a way to acknowledge his sacrifice.”
Honouring a Forgotten War Hero
Warrant Officer Class 2 Adam Gregory of 202 (Midlands) Field Hospital led the bearer party and presented the medals and flag to the family.
“It is an honour and overwhelming privilege to be part of this burial for a fallen WW1 comrade from the RAMC,” said WO2 Gregory. “Pte Malcolm now rests alongside his brothers in arms who all paid the ultimate sacrifice for King and country.”
The service was conducted by Reverend Andrew Grant, Chaplain to 5th Regiment Royal Artillery.
“Each life lost in WW1 was precious and loved,” said Rev Grant. “Despite the scale of loss, every soldier deserves a proper burial and recognition of their sacrifice.”
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission will now care for Private Malcolm’s grave forever. Mel Donnelly, Head of Commemorations Casework at CWGC, praised the Belgian partners who helped recover and identify the remains.
“Their professionalism ensured the remains and insignia were recovered so Private Malcolm could be identified and laid to rest alongside his comrades.”
