Grave of World War Two major rededicated in France

Major Richard White-Cooper of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment died of a gunshot wound on 12 June 1940

The grave of a serviceman who was killed during the retreat to Dunkirk during World War Two has been rededicated in his family's presence after more than 85 years.

Major Richard White-Cooper of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment, and Suffolk Regiment, died aged 37 of a gunshot wound on 12 June 1940.

His was one of four soldiers who died during the conflict who were buried in unmarked graves in Le Grand-Lucé War Cemetery, near Le Mans, France.

The families of the servicemen attended their rededication services held by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in Le Grand-Lucé War Cemetery on 24 June.

The services took place at Le Grand-Lucé War Cemetery on 24 June

Major White-Cooper was serving as a Brigade Major with the Beauman Division.

He also served in the Suffolk Regiment between 6 July and 27 September 1924.

Private William Falconer died on 14 June 1940, following a road traffic accident.

Gunner Joseph Humphries of 71 Field Regiment, Royal Regiment of Artillery also died in a road traffic accident on 14 June 1940, having been in France for five days.

Signalman Edmund Roberts, who was serving in 50 Telephone Unit which was part of The Royal Corps of Signals, died from injuries on 13 June 1940.

The four servicemen had been taken to 9th General Hospital, a military hospital in the grounds of the Chateau at Le Grand-Lucé, either for treatment or burial.

But after the soldiers died their burials were not properly recorded when the hospital had to evacuate to St Malo in Brittany.

Major White-Cooper's grandchildren and great-grandchildren attended the service.

Serving soldiers of the Royal Corps of Signals, the Royal Regiment of Artillery and the Royal Welsh also attended.