The identity of a soldier whose grave was left unmarked has finally been revealed, more than 100 years after he died.
Private Walter Harris died in 1920 after a war injury, and was buried in Royal Wootton Bassett cemetery, with just a helmet instead of a headstone.
For the last century, the unmarked grave has remained a mystery to the public.
Now, the soldier can finally get the send-off he deserves as Royal Wootton Bassett Council have made the effort to identify his grave and set up a war memorial and headstone in his memory.
Private Harris’ remaining family will gather in the town for an unveiling and memorial service on Monday at 11am. Both his great niece, and great great niece will be in attendance.
Walter was born a Swindon boy in 1898, but his father originated from Wootton Bassett.
He was the middle child of six children, many of whom died young.
In 1915, he was enlisted as part of the 7th Battalion of the Wiltshire regiment as a Private, where he continued to serve until becoming badly wounded in the head on 30 October 1918 whilst fighting in France.
He remained in hospital for one month.
When he was discharged from the army due to his injury, Walter Harris then became a poultry farmer, under the care of the Swindon Training Centre for Disabled Ex-Service Men.
He married Gladys Norris, of 169 High Street, in Sep 1920, but sadly his love was short-lived.
In November 1920, Private Walter Harris died in the Royal United Hospital in Bath, aged 22. He was buried in Wootton Bassett cemetery without a headstone, only his helmet, belt, and a Union Jack flag.
Private Walter Harris was only officially remembered in St Bartholomew’s Church on the paper Roll of Honour.
Royal Wootton Bassett’s Mayor, Town Clerk, Town Crier and members of the Royal British Legion will be attending the service next week alongside the soldier’s great niece, and great great niece.
The service will include a reading from the Mayor, and ‘The Last Post’, a song in remembrance of those who died in war, will be played.
You can read more about Private Walter Harris' life here.
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