WWI and WWII Heroes Finally Identified: Rededication Ceremonies Held in France
The final resting places of three forgotten soldiers have been uncovered, with solemn rededication services held at their graves in France. The Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’, organised the poignant events.
Honouring Three Brave Souls
Services were held at three historic cemeteries: Lieutenant Cecil William Charles Shelley of the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards at Loos British Cemetery; 2nd Lieutenant Alick Aylmore of the 15th London Regiment at Assevillers New British Cemetery; and Private Douglas Dickson of the 2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment at London Cemetery & Extension, Longueval.
“Although none of these brave men’s families were able to be here, they are very well represented by their military family. Today, as we return their names to them, we are reminded of their bravery and their sacrifice,” said Louise Dorr, JCCC caseworker.
Lieutenant Cecil William Charles Shelley: From Nobility to the Front Line
Born in Windsor on 5 September 1873, Lt Shelley hailed from a prestigious family, son to Lieutenant Colonel Sir Charles Shelley, 5th Baronet of Castle Goring. He married Sybil Bertie Peel in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), where their daughter Eileen was born in 1906. Lt Shelley died in action on 17 October 1915 with the Scots Guards during heavy fighting at Loos. His grave, once marked as an “Unknown British Officer,” was identified thanks to his South Africa Medal ribbon, finally restoring his name.
2Lt Alick Aylmore: Essex Lad Lost in the Chaos of War
Alick Guyer Aylmer Aylmore, born 1889 in Ilford, Essex, was one of seven children. Enlisting first as a private in the 15th London Regiment, he was commissioned as an officer in February 1917. He was killed on 23 March 1918 by an explosive bullet near Metz during fierce frontline fighting. His loss came during a day of devastating casualties, with many wounded and missing.
Private Douglas Dickson: Tragic WWII Mine Explosion
Born in 1923 in Edmonton, Middlesex, Douglas Henry Dickson was one of nine siblings. Serving with the Devonshire Regiment in WWII, he died on 3 September 1944 in a tragic incident near Genech. American forces had laid mines which were being cleared when one exploded, killing Pte Dickson and two others.
“To be able to give a name and identity to a previously unknown soldier, and to honour their memory in a rededication service is significant,” said Reverend Kevin Jones, chaplain who conducted the services. “The words ‘Their name liveth for evermore’ are inscribed on many war memorials. As we name a fallen soldier at their grave, we value who they were and honour what they have done, forever.”
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) has renewed the headstones over the graves. Xavier Puppinck, CWGC France Area Director, added:
“It is a privilege to rededicate the graves of Lt Shelley, 2Lt Aylmore, and Pte Dickson. We proudly uphold the commitment to equality by honouring officers and privates alike and care for their graves in perpetuity, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.”
