WWI Soldier’s Grave Finally Gets a Name After 100 Years
The grave of Serjeant William Clay Cubberley, aged 28, from the 2nd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, has been properly marked more than a century after he died in the First World War.
MOD War Detectives Uncover Soldier’s Identity
The rededication service took place at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Perth Cemetery (China Wall), near Ypres, Belgium, on 22 March 2023. The event was organised by the Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’.
Sjt Cubberley’s remains were found and buried in 2017 but remained unidentified until now. Among those attending was Rosie Barron, a JCCC caseworker, who had been quietly working the case since the burial.
Detective Work Brings Soldier’s Name Back
Rosie told us:
“After speaking with Belgian archaeologist Simon Verdegem in 2021, I started the investigation again from scratch. Simon provided key details about where the soldier was found. This helped us finally identify him. We’re proud to restore Sjt Cubberley’s name to his grave with a proper headstone. This rededication service is our promise to care forever for his resting place and those of his comrades.”
At last, a forgotten hero gets the honour he deserves, over 100 years later.
