Last Resting Place ?

[Guest Chris Witcomb]

Hello,

My greatgrandfather ( 2nd Batt Suffolk Reg ) is remembered on the Theipval Memorial - Died 19th Aug 1916, I believe in Cochranes Alley.

Although his inclusion on this memorial would be because his body was never found, he is also recorded as 'Killed in Action'. If he was 'KIA', presumably there was evidence, ie a body, or surely he would have been listed as 'missing'. Does this suggest that he was killed and his body was indeed not 'missing' at the time, but later his grave could not be located, possibly due to subsequent shell fire etc,? So he was added to the Theipval Memorial as one of those who's body has no known resting place?

Hope that makes sense.

Any ideas or comments most welcome

Yours puzzled,

Chris

[Terry Denham]

It could be either case.

He could have been killed in action and his body was not recoverable at the time (although his death was witnessed). He could have been killed and ceased to exist (shell fire).

Also, he could have been temporarily buried and the grave later destroyed or could not be located after the war. He could have been recovered after the war but not identified.

He could have taken part in an attack and was never seen again - presumed killed in action.

The permutations are numerous.