The resting place of Lieutenant Charles Stonehouse and Private Frederick William Birks, have both been rededicated more than a century after their deaths…
The rededication services took place at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Serre Road Cemetery No. 3 on the Somme and Perth Cemetery (China Wall) near Ypres respectively.
The services, organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), part of Defence Business Services, were conducted by the Reverend Andrew Earl CF, Senior Chaplain HQ NW.
Rosie Barron, JCCC said: “It is an honour to have organised both rededication services for these 2 men and to have, after more than 100 years, given them their names back. It is important that the sacrifices of men such as Lieutenant Stonehouse and Private Birks are not forgotten and their stories are told to future generations.”
The Reverend Andrew Earl, said: “It is a privilege to be asked to honour these 2 men who died in the service of their country as we gather and say, ‘We will remember them’. We once again recall all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy. May they rest in peace.”
