WW1 Hero’s Grave Finally Gets Name After 100 Years
The final resting place of Serjeant William Clay Cubberley, a 28-year-old soldier from the 2nd Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment, has been properly marked over a century after his death.
The rededication ceremony took place at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Perth Cemetery (China Wall), near Ypres, Belgium, on March 22, 2023. It was organised by the Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), fondly known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’.
From Unknown Soldier to Named Hero
Serjeant Cubberley’s remains were found in 2012 during pipeline work near Waterstraat but remained unidentified for years. Initially buried as an unknown soldier in 2017, the case was reignited when Rosie Barron, a JCCC caseworker, took a personal interest.
“After talking with Belgian archaeologist Simon Verdegem in 2021, I restarted the investigation. His details about the find location proved crucial,” Rosie explained. “We are proud to have restored Sjt Cubberley’s name, honouring a soldier from a family dedicated to Worcestershire Regiment service. It’s been a privilege to organise this rededication and remember him properly.”
DNA Breakthrough Unites Family After a Century
Rosie Barron’s research confirmed the 2nd Battalion Worcestershire Regiment was in the exact area where the remains were found during late September 1917. Although no serjeant majors were missing, three serjeants were recorded as lost. Family members were approached for DNA samples, and John Cubberley, Sjt Cubberley’s great nephew, provided a match.
John Cubberley said, “I’m incredibly proud to share the Cubberley name. I am eternally grateful to the JCCC for going above and beyond to identify my great uncle’s grave. My grandfather must be at peace knowing his brother has been found. Thanks to the MOD and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for bringing our lost family members home—those who ‘fought the good fight and kept the faith.’”
Honouring Sacrifice at Ypres
The rededication service was led by Reverend Daniel Njuguna, Chaplain to the 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment. Members of the Mercian Regiment attended to pay tribute.
“This marks a major milestone in Sjt William Clay Cubberley’s story,” Reverend Njuguna said. “His grave is no longer unknown, thanks to the dedication of the JCCC and everyone involved. It’s an honour to recognise his service and sacrifice.”
Sjt Cubberley first served with the 1st Battalion before transferring to the 2nd Battalion during WW1. Although he was not officially recorded as a Company Serjeant Major, it’s believed he was promoted in the field but died before paperwork could be completed.
The 2nd Battalion fought hard near Veldhoek during the brutal Third Battle of Ypres in September 1917. The battalion took heavy losses under relentless German shelling. On 26 September, the day Sjt Cubberley died, enemy bombardments made conditions hellish, preventing evacuation of the wounded for 24 hours. Around 55 men lost their lives; most remain missing and are commemorated at the Tyne Cot Memorial.
Graves Commission Pays Tribute
Claire Horton, Director General of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, said:
“We are immensely grateful to the War Detectives, Mr Verdegem and all who helped identify Sjt Cubberley’s grave at Perth Cemetery more than 100 years after his death. We can now mark this brave soldier’s resting place with a headstone bearing his name. This rededication is a renewed commitment to care for his grave and those of his comrades, forever.”
