Six soldiers toi be buried at Ypres Town Cemetery
06/04/2016
- Ieper
- Source: Militair Commando West-Vlaanderen
Six sets of remains were discovered in April 2013 between Meenseweg and Zonnebeekseweg, Ypres and research has pinpointed 2nd Northumbrian Bde RFA to this area on 24 May 1915 during the 2nd Battle of Ypres. Research also suggests the casualties could be six named soldiers cited in the North Riding Battery War Dairy, 24 May 1915. Forensic experts have taken DNA profiles from the remains and genealogy has traced relatives of five of the named soldiers. The DNA taken from Gnr Joseph Rowbottom’s family has matched one set of remains. DNA processing is ongoing for the four other traced families.
The burials are planned to take place at 1100 on 20 Apr 16 at Ieper Town Cemetery Extension. It is planned that there will be bearer parties, a firing party, a band, bugler, a number of VIPs and family members. It is likely that there will be a large number of people interested in the event.