Great-nephew's DNA helps identify WW1 soldier
Crown CopyrightA soldier has been identified nearly 110 years after he went missing during World War One by using a DNA sample provided by a great-nephew.
Pte George McIntosh served in the 8th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment after working as a gardener and florist.
He was killed in action on 19 April 1917 and was buried on Tuesday alongside one of his comrades at Loos British Cemetery Extension in Loos-en-Gohelle, northern France.
Jeff MacIntosh, his great-nephew, who travelled from North Carolina in the US to be at the ceremony, said the DNA investigation had "allowed us to explore his life, understand what his loss meant to his mother and family, and gain a better understanding of WW1".
The MoD's Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) said McIntosh, who was born in 1883 to Scottish parents, and the unknown soldier were the final British casualties to be laid to rest among those whose bodies were uncovered during the construction of a hospital on the outskirts of Lens.
Pte McIntosh was from Ilford, in what is now east London, and members of his family attended the burial service which was conducted by forces' chaplain, the Reverend Fiona Beale.
She said the "anticipation of standing before these World War One heroes' final resting places brought an overwhelming wave of profound gratitude and solemn reverence".
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Hulton Archive via Getty ImagesPte McIntosh's regiment took part in the Battle of Arras which began on 9 April 1917.
Following the successful capture of the high ground at Vimy Ridge by Canadian forces, the Douai Plain was opened to the Allies.
On the morning of 18 April, McIntosh's regiment found itself south of Loos-en-Gohelle.
The battalion moved to the front line and spent the next two days fighting at what is now the site of a new hospital.
It was during the fighting the next day that McIntosh was killed. He was 34 years old.
The JCCC said it was highly likely that the unknown soldier was also killed during this period.
Crown Copyright"Their sacrifice and commitment to the cause of obtaining freedom and peace must never be forgotten," said JCCC caseworker Rosie Barron.
The Loos British Cemetery Extension is looked after and maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).
David Royle, CWGC recoveries and ceremonies manager, said: "Nearly 110 years after they fell in action, and less than a mile from where they were recovered, it is a privilege to lay these two Bedfordshire Regiment soldiers to rest with the care and dignity they deserve.
"We are proud to have worked alongside the JCCC to restore Pte George McIntosh's name, and although the identity of the second soldier remains known only unto God, he is no longer lost or forgotten.
"Both men now rest among their comrades ensuring future generations can pay their respects and remember their stories in perpetuity."
Work continues to identify the unknown Bedfordshire Regiment soldier.
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