Grave of Dumbarton WWII soldier rededicated in France
Private William Falconer, born in 1911, served with both the 1st and 2nd battalions of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
He was recalled to the army at the outbreak of the Second World War and was attached to No. 13 Docks Labour Company.
Pte Falconer died on June 14, 1940, aged 28, while serving with the 4th Company Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps.
Read more:
Oasis announce release of more tickets for reunion tour - Here's how to get yours
Global superstar spotted in Glasgow ahead tonight's gig
The exact details of his death are unclear, but he is thought to have died of severe burns after a road traffic accident.
He left behind a widow and a young daughter.
Pte Falconer is one of four British servicemen who died during World War Two in France who have now been rededicated, more than 85 years after their deaths, after their graves were identified.
The services for Private Falconer, Gunner Joseph Humphries, Signalman Edmund Roberts, and Major Richard White-Cooper were held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Le Grand-Lucé War Cemetery near Le Mans in France.
The graves were identified after John Hawthorn, the husband of Signalman Roberts' granddaughter, submitted a case to the CWGC hoping to identify his final resting place.
This led to extensive research and all four graves were identified.
Mr Hawthorn said: "Words are not adequate to express the emotions I had when I got the email from Rosie Barron, telling me that the JCCC were happy to confirm they recognise Sig Edmund Roberts is buried in the CWGC cemetery at Le Grand Luce, France.
"We are eternally grateful to the tireless work of CWGC and the JCCC, especially Rosie for all she has done.'
The services were organised by the Ministry of Defence's Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the 'War Detectives'.
The CWGC has replaced the headstones over the graves and will care for them in perpetuity.
Polly Brewster, commemorations case officer at the CWGC, said: "It has been an honour to have been a part of the identification process for these four men, and to have helped their families in their choices for their Commission headstones.
"We owe particular gratitude to the family of Signalman Roberts because without his dedicated research, this would not have been possible.
"It also feels all the more poignant knowing that this rededication ceremony means all casualties at Le Grand-Lucé have now been identified, so can be commemorated by name at their final resting place."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Peterborough WW2 veteran gets MBE days before 100th birthday
A World War Two veteran who was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) said "the heroes are lying in a cemetery, I was lucky".Geoffrey Roberts, 99, from Peterborough, was appointed for his charity work and his services to the commemoration of the Battle of was captured during the battle in September 1944, in which more than 8,000 British soldiers were killed, missing or taken Roberts, who turns 100 on Saturday, received his MBE from the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace. "I'm surprised actually, I don't know what I got it for, I didn't do anything," he said."When I saw the letter, I thought someone was kidding me. I didn't have a clue; it was the last thing on my mind. I was very shocked and very overwhelmed." Mr Roberts was born in the Chelsea Barracks in London in 1925 and signed up in 17 September 1944, he flew into the Netherlands as part of Operation Market Garden - depicted in the 1977 Hollywood film A Bridge Too Far. It saw 35,000 British, American and Polish troops parachute or glide behind German was captured on September 26, with a German officer giving him some cigarettes and telling him, "for you, the war is over".He was sent to a prisoner of war camp and put to work in a coal mine until the end of the war. When asked how important it was that veterans continued to be recognised, he said: "It's very important, there's not many of us left, so it's very important, especially for the ones who didn't come home."The heroes are lying in a cemetery, I was lucky. I turned left when I should have turned right, so I'm still here." Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
North Wales Chronicle
3 hours ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Brits issued Asian Hornets warning - How to keep home safe
While it was hoped a British winter would kill them off, it appears that the pests have survived, meaning it's likely they are now around for good. This means British gardeners may have to get used to deterring these pests if they want to be able to enjoy their outside spaces this summer and protect native wildlife. Hornets of any variety are not desirable to have around, but Asian hornets are particularly problematic. They have been responsible for wiping out honeybee populations across Europe, and can kill as many as 50 bees a day. They can also deliver a nasty sting to humans, which can be serious should you be allergic. Andy Simms from MyBuilder, said prevention is essential when it comes to Asian Hornets. It wouldn't be a @SteveBackshall show without a *very* dangerous creature making an appearance. Here, Steve gets up close and personal with the dreaded Asian hornet 🫣 The Secret Life of Bees. 29th May 9pm. Watch | Stream on 5#bees #secretlifeofbees #hornets 'While it's currently unlikely that most of us in the UK will see any Asian hornets, like any pests, it's harder to get rid of them once they've arrived than it is to prevent them in the first place. Any sightings should be reported via the Asian Hornets Watch app. 'Removing food remnants and rubbish is a simple step to take, but for increased protection you should check the seals on your windows and for any gaps in our brickwork. "It seems like Asian Hornets are here in the UK to stay now, so proper measures may become necessary - and are useful to prevent other pests, too.' Below are MyBuilder's essential steps to take to protect your home and garden from hornets: Remove food sources Hornets will come to your garden looking for food sources, so the first step is to remove anything that will attract them. Fruit in particular attracts pests, so immediately remove any fallen fruit and don't leave any remains. Other food sources could be uneaten pet food, scraps left for wildlife, and bird feeders. Seal rubbish and move bins Sealing your rubbish bags and putting them into a bin prevents the smell of rotting food from attracting hornets. Compost bins also attract hornets, so keeping them sealed is very important. If possible, move your bins away from your home and garden. Plant off-putting plants Certain plants have a scent that is off-putting to hornets. Plants such as spearmint and lemongrass will deter them, as well as support pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Position them in areas where you most want to be rid of hornets, such as around the edges of patios or by any seating areas. Prevent the establishment of a nest Asian Hornets can make nests in trees/hedges. To stop Asian Hornets from establishing a nest in your garden, consider trimming back trees and hedges to reduce nest spots (but make sure you check your are legally able to trim first), and pick up dead plant debris that could shelter hornets and fill in holes in the ground to stop an underground nest. Recommended reading: Seal off key entry points The eaves and soffits of your property can form cracks over time, which gives Asian hornets perfect entry points into your home as they search for sheltered locations, away from predators. To stop this from happening, seal cracks with filler, before sanding and painting the area once dry. If this is a complicated job, call a local roofer for help. Install hornet traps There are many different types of traps you can use for Asian hornets, but traps that are especially made for them are the best because, if not, bees and other important insects can get trapped in them too. Your trap should be hung in a tree at head height, in a sunny area and away from deep shade where hornets are unlikely to forage. Traps typically range from £20 from most retailers.
South Wales Guardian
3 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Battle of Arnhem veteran becomes MBE days before 100th birthday
Geoffrey Roberts, from Peterborough, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the commemoration of the Battle of Arnhem and to charity by the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace on Thursday. Mr Roberts, who turns 100 on Saturday told the PA news agency: 'I'm surprised actually, I don't know what I got it for, I didn't do anything. 'When I saw the letter I thought someone was kidding me, I didn't have a clue, it was the last thing on my mind. I was very shocked and very overwhelmed.' Asked how important it is that veterans continue to be recognised, he said: 'It's very important, there's not many of us left, so it's very important especially for the ones who didn't come home. 'The heroes are lying in a cemetery, I was lucky, I turned left when I should have turned right so I'm still here.' Mr Roberts, who was born in the Chelsea Barracks in London in 1925, signed up in 1942. On September 17 1944, he flew into the Netherlands as part of Operation Market Garden – depicted in the 1977 Hollywood film A Bridge Too Far – which saw 35,000 British, American and Polish troops parachute or glide behind German lines. Mr Roberts was captured on September 26, with a German officer giving him some cigarettes and telling him, 'for you, the war is over'. He was sent to a prisoner of war camp and put to work in a coal mine until the end of the war.
