The remains of Lance Corporal Frederick Thomas Perkins have been found in France, following the recent retrieval of WW1 artifacts.
The ceremony of a former Lance Corporal of The Essex Regiment was held yesterday after his remains had been missing for over 100 years.
Frederick Thomas Perkins of the 11th Battalion was killed near Lens, in France during World War One.
Mr Perkins was 25-years-old when he was killed in action on 22nd April 1917.
A father and a husband, he left behind his wife Florence, and his three-year-old son Philip.
It wasn’t until the discovery of ‘a number of artefacts’, such as a spoon and notebook, which led to the remains of Mr Perkins to be found.
The Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) began research on the artefacts, which later confirmed that it was the late Frederick Perkins.
The ceremony, which was organised by JCCC, was held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Loos British Cemetery, where his family gathered to say their farewells.
Rosie Barron, JCCC said: “The identification of Lance Corporal Perkins required meticulous research from both JCCC, and The Essex Regiment Museum and our perseverance paid off.
It has been an honour to work with The Royal Anglian Regiment to lay Lance Corporal Perkins to rest and to share this experience with his family today. As we build up to Remembrance Sunday, we remember all those soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
Members of the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment held their own service for the former LCpl.
Reverend Paul Whitehead, Chaplain to the 3rd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment conducted the service, which provided both the bearer and firing parties.
“It was a great honour to put Lance Corporal Perkins to rest.” Reverend Whitehead said, “It was a real privilege and amazing that all of the research undertaken has led to him being found a century later.”
Linda Cook, granddaughter of LCpl Perkins said: “We always wondered what had happened to my grandfather and to be here today and seeing where he now lays is very important to me. Not in my wildest dreams did I expect that they would find him.”
The grave is officially marked with a headstone, gifted by CWGC, who will care for his final resting place in perpetuity.
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