Missing World War One soldier's grave identified

A service was held next to the new marked grave

The grave of a missing World War One soldier has been identified in Belgium.

Capt Ernest Cecil Blencowe of the Dorsetshire Regiment died in February 1916 trying to get control of The Bluff, an area of raised ground near the Ypres-Comines canal which was fought over extensively during the war.

His body was not recovered, but remains originally found in June 1921 and reburied at Bedford House Cemetery in Ypres, Belgium, have now been identified as those of Capt Blencowe.

A rededication service, where the unmarked grave was marked, was held on Wednesday, and was attended by two of Capt Blencowe's great grandchildren.

Capt Blencowe joined the army at the outbreak of war.

He was attached to 6th battalion the Dorsetshire Regiment and arrived in France in July 1915.

After he died, he was listed on the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing.

In June 1921, the remains of an unknown British officer bearing buttons and badges of the Dorsetshire Regiment were found, but further identification proved impossible.

Now, research has revealed the un-named officer to be Capt Blencowe.

'A tremendous privilege'

The rededication service, organised by the Ministry of Defence's Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), was led by Padre John Storey.

Capt Blencowe's headstone was replaced, and will be cared for by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).

Sean Phillips from the CWGC said it was "a tremendous privilege".

"For evermore, visitors to Bedford House Cemetery will be able to pay their respects to Captain Blencowe at his final place of rest," he said.

JCCC Caseworker, Alexia Clark, said: "In rededicating his grave we have reunited his mortal remains with his names, in the presence of his family, ensuring that his sacrifice will not be forgotten."