Burial Or Cremation

[Ian C]

I have always assumed that except where religous beliefs dictated otherwise, casualties were buried. However, I am currently researching William Thomas, 3rd Batt. MGC, DOW 23.4.18, of shrapnel or gunshot wound to the head. His neice has given me a transcription of a letter to his parents from the Chaplin with the 4th Canadian CCS, in which he clearly states that "We have buried your dear boy and his ashes now lie with his comrades in Pernes British Cemetery"

Does anyone know how the decision to bury or cremate was made?

IanC

[Malcolm]

Possibly not a cremation ................ Ashes to ashes, dust to dust ................

He is stated as buried by the Chaplain.

Aye

Malcolm

[Terry Denham]

I believe Malcolm's interpretation is correct.

Apart from those soldiers cremated for religous reasons, I have seen no records for cremations on the Western Front. Cremation was not a common practice at this time although a handful of crematoria were operating in the UK during WW1.