Two WWI soldiers rededicated in France

over the country.” He said, “Iam not going to show up and be photographed, I just wanted to do it.”

But he says he struggling to get his plans off the ground.

“It’s like banging your head against a brick wall.”

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TWO soldiers who were previously unknown have now had their graves rededicated with headstones to commemorate their deaths in the First World War.

The two Irish soldiers are Private (Pte) James McCaffrey of the 5th Battalion Tank Corps and Corporal (Cpl) Thomas Stannage of the 10th (Prince of Wales Own Royal) Hussars.

The MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’ organised the ceremonies in France.

Louise Dorr of the JCCC said:

“It’s been a pleasure to have both men’s families with us today. As we rededicate their graves with known headstones. It is a great comfort to know that their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered.”

James McCaffrey was born in Tullyish County Down. He was found buried as an unknown soldier northeast of Sebencourt. He was identified because three men were killed when two tanks were clearing an area around Retheuil Farm and James was known to be one of them.

Two of the men had known graves so he was the only possible casualty left.

Corporal Thomas Stannage was born in Rathdowney, County Laois. His remains were found buried east of Honnecy. His battalion’s war diary places the 10th Hussars in the area.

Nine corporals lost their lives and eight of them had known graves which left Thomas as the only possible casualty.