Reburials and Rededications
The CWGC is informed of around eighty new discoveries of remains per year, on average.
Once recovered, each goes through a detailed investigation comparing physical findings with military records of the war and the missing. If a Commonwealth service person is identified, a reburial service takes place and the new grave is marked with a CWGC headstone inscribed with their details. If no personal identification is possible the person’s remains are reburied, with the same respect and ceremony, under a CWGC headstone inscribed ‘Known Unto God’.
During and immediately after each world war, many servicemen were buried in graves marked ‘Known Unto God’. Now, in some cases, it is possible to identify these people. Extensive research involving national defence authorities and military records is undertaken to ensure a correct identification is reached. Once confirmed, their existing final resting place is rededicated with a new CWGC headstone bearing their name.
Lieutenant James Grant Allan, laid to rest after 110 years
Lance Corporal Charles Madgwick - final resting place identified after 108 years
Private Lewis Ephraim Lambert - laid to rest after 108 years
Private Arthur Albert Grayston - laid to rest after 108 years
Private Henry Joseph Rycraft - laid to rest after 108 years
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