WW1 soldier laid to rest 109 years after death

Sjt Richard Rounsley was laid to rest at the Warlencourt British Cemetery on the Somme

A World War One soldier has been buried alongside two unknown comrades, 109 years after his death.

Sjt Richard Rounsley, who was from Tanfield in County Durham and served in the 12th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry, was killed in France in October 1916 aged 30.

His remains, and those of two other soldiers, were found during the installation of a wind turbine by Le Sars, near the Somme, France, in March 2021.

A DNA match with his great nephew confirmed his identity and he was laid to rest at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's Warlencourt British Cemetery on the Somme.

Sjt Rounsley was identified through research by the Ministry of Defence's Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre's Commemorations Team, known as the War Detectives.

The father-of-four was found wearing insignia of the Durham Light Infantry, as was one of the other unknown men.

Sjt Rounsley's family, including his granddaughter Jacqueline Fraser, attended the service alongside serving soldiers from 5th Battalion The Rifles.

The service for the soldiers was attended by soldier from 5th Battalion The Rifles

Ms Fraser said: "I am one of Richard's five remaining grandchildren and none of us ever thought our grandfather's remains would be found 109 years after he fell on the Somme.

"The diligent work of the War Detectives has brought Richard back into the fold with his grandchildren and other family members.

"We are truly grateful for this opportunity to express our appreciation for the care and honour shown."

Work will continue to confirm the identity of the second Durham Light Infantry soldier.

The War Detective's Rosie Barron said: "It has been a privilege to work with The Rifles to organise this burial service and share this journey with his family.

"Sjt Rounsley was a family man whose death significantly impacted subsequent generations of his family.

"The discovery has brought his long dispersed family back together."

The grave will now be cared for in perpetuity by Commonwealth War Graves Commission.