Six Scottish soldiers, killed during World War 1, were buried in France today, 108 years after their deaths. Relatives gathered to witness the burial with full military honours for two identified soldiers and four unknown comrades.
Private George Fleming Brock and Private Percy Todd, both of the 11th Battalion, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, were identified through extensive historical research and DNA testing. They were laid to rest alongside four other soldiers who could not be identified, though regimental insignia found suggested some served with the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders and the Gordon Highlanders.
The men were recovered in 2023 during an archaeological survey in Tilloy-les-Mofflaines, the area where Private Brock's battalion was overwhelmed during the German Spring Offensive on 28 March 1918. Private Brock was 19 when he died, while Private Todd lost his life on 5 April 1918 during the same offensive.
The service was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’, who work to identify the remains of British military casualties.