WWI city soldier finally laid to rest, 108 years after his death

DESCENDANTS of a First World War soldier from Derby have finally attended his funeral - more than 108 years since he went missing in action, presumed killed, in France.

- By ZENA HAWLEY

The remains of Sergeant Henry Ashton were discovered recently during construction work for a new hospital in Lens.

Subsequent research showed that the remains belonged to a man of the Durham Light Infantry (DLI), with extensive pre-war service demonstrated by the tattered remains of medal ribbons still attached to his uniform.

DNA testing then led to formal identification of Sgt Ashton, who died aged 44 in 1917.

He was buried with full military honours in the extension to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (DWGC) Loos British Cemetery and is the first to be named.

All other soldiers buried at the new extension to date are unnamed.

The service was organised by the Ministry Of Defence's joint casualty and compassionate centre (JCCC), also known as the MoD war detectives.

Alexia Clark, MoD war detective said: “It has been a privilege to identify Sgt Ashton, and to be able to organise this burial service for him.