Printable View
http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/war-cem...st-omer-2.html
Now... any idea why these two bodies may be unmarked? Surely a simple appeal for relatives to come forward for DNA (only would need one of the bodies formally identified in that way) could get these guys given the burial - with name - that they deserve?
I would imagine the DNA route would work, but unless you can target a group of casualties, its unlikely the message would get out to all the relatives. Its a shame that the regiments own Roll of Honour and the CGWC is slightly out of sync with the written history. As an example 2nd Lt JB Garnett is listed as being killed on the 23rd May 1940, both on the CWGC site and the ROH in "Red Dragon". However the regimental diary and the narrative in Red Dragon clearly states he died in action on the 24th May. I'm sure there will be many other inaccuracies.
Maybe one option would be to identify all the dead, 3 0r 4 days before and after. Then cross check to identify who has a confirmed burial spot. Finally calling forward relatives of the remaining guys, whose burial location is unknown for DNA checks.
I would imagine cost would be the inhibiting factor, but I share your sentiments Swiper.
Seems like a pain, but I think I'll take this on as a mini-project to try and get something done.
Interestingly Lt Garnett's resting place may be unknown. He is remembered at St Floris Churchyard. He is marked as SP. Mem(Special Memorial) Grave 6.
This is how GWGC describes the churchyard. "St. Floris is a village and commune 40 kilometres north-north- west of Arras and 10 kilometres north-north-west of Bethune. In the churchyard, east of the church and near the local war memorial, are the graves of 7 soldiers from the United Kingdom, 3 of them, whose graves could not be precisely located, are commemorated by special memorials, i.e., inscribed "Buried near this spot".