Reburial service held for World War One soldiers

The bodies of eight British servicemen who died more than 100 years ago in World War One have been laid to rest in a reburial service in France.

It took place at the Loos British cemetery last week, after their remains were discovered during the construction of a new hospital outside Lens.

Four have been identified, which include Cpl Alfred James Morrant and Pte Henry Joseph Rycraft of the 11th Battalion The Essex Regiment. Also discovered were Pte Arthur Albert Grayston and Pte Lewis Ephraim Lambert, of the 8th Battalion The Bedfordshire Regiment.

Paul Morrant, the great, great nephew of Cpl Morrant, said: “The whole thing was a great experience.”

The four men all died in 1917 during the Battle of Arras and were identified through DNA testing.

Two of the unknown soldiers were also known to belong to the Essex Regiment and several Canadian casualties were discovered.

Jennifer Strawn, the granddaughter of Pte Grayston, also attended the service, along with serving soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment.