Graves of five soldiers killed in Normandy identified

The graves of five soldiers who went missing during the Battle of Normandy have been identified and were rededicated this week. A commemorative service honouring all five men, was also held at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer (30 September 26). 

Rededication services took place at CWGC St Charles-de-Percy War Cemetery for Private (Pte) George Chapman of 1st Battalion The Herefordshire Regiment (29 September 26), at CWGC Bayeux War Cemetery for Private Vincent Coia of 7th Battalion The Seaforth Highlanders and Lance Corporal (LCpl) Reginald Cyril Dewey of 4th Battalion The Lincolnshire Regiment (30 September 26), at CWGC Hottot-les-Bagues War Cemetery for Serjeant (Sjt) Frederick Albert Harrison of 1st Battalion The Dorsetshire Regiment and at CWGC Ranville War Cemetery for Corporal (Cpl) Henry Thomas Read of 8th Battalion The Rifle Brigade (1 October 26).  

A newly replaced headstone bearing Sjt Harrison's name and floral tributes laid in his honour (Crown Copyright)

Members of the Chapman, Dewey and Read families were present at their relatives’ rededication service. The Coia and Harrison families were not able to attend, but a poignant message from Reg Harrison, the 95 year old younger brother of Sjt Harrison, was read out at his graveside in Hottot-les-Bagues War Cemetery. 

Although I didn’t know my brother very well, as I was only young when he left home to join the army, I’m very proud of him and what he achieved, and what he went onto do for his King and country. It was soldiers like Fred that helped us win the war, and keep us safe. Always in my thoughts. Your young brother, Reg.

The services were organised by the Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), known as the ‘War Detectives’, and were supported by serving soldiers from 5th Battalion The Rifles, 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment and 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland. 

Reverend Paul Collins CF conducts a rededication service (Crown Copyright)