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Retlaw · 30-03-2012, 18:25

The only possible flaw in the story could be that the photo was not taken from his body, because he has no known grave hence the Arras Memorial commemoration. That is unless he was killed in action and the photo was taken from his body by his mates, then the troops had to retreat and leave him.
In the news article the letter from the officer say he was killed by shell fire, they would have buried him behind the lines, this happened to 1000's of soldiers. Many of those graves were destroyed in subsequent battles, especially in March/April 1918. His mates would have handed his possessions to his officer, for them to be returned to his next of kin, the address of which would be written in his Small Book. Went to
Retlaw.

30-03-2012, 18:25	#21
Retlaw I am Banned Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Accrington. Posts: 4,627 Liked: 601 times Rep Power: 0	Re: War memorials The only possible flaw in the story could be that the photo was not taken from his body, because he has no known grave hence the Arras Memorial commemoration. That is unless he was killed in action and the photo was taken from his body by his mates, then the troops had to retreat and leave him. In the news article the letter from the officer say he was killed by shell fire, they would have buried him behind the lines, this happened to 1000's of soldiers. Many of those graves were destroyed in subsequent battles, especially in March/April 1918. His mates would have handed his possessions to his officer, for them to be returned to his next of kin, the address of which would be written in his Small Book. Went to Retlaw. Last edited by Retlaw; 30-03-2012 at 18:33.