Forgotten WWI casualties honoured with war graves at Greenacres cemetery

More than a century on, 11 unrecognised First World War servicemen have been formally honoured with Commonwealth War Grave headstones during a special dedication service at Greenacres Cemetery.

Maria Hanley and Andrew Spence (pictured below), researchers from the Royton branch of the Royal British Legion, teamed up with Tim Bell, a volunteer and researcher from the In From The Cold Project and the Manchester Regiment Forum which researches and identifies servicemen and women missing from the official Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) list of casualties from the First and Second World Wars. 

Unrecognised servicemen who served in the First World War received their own Commonwealth War Grave headstones after more than a century. 

A grave dedication service for 11 of these servicemen was held at Greenacres Cemetery, and this month (August) three more graves will be dedicated in Royton Cemetery. 

Some of the casualties, who have now been accepted for War Grave status and Commonwealth War Grave commemoration, were buried in unmarked burial plots. 

The project uncovers the names of those who died after discharge due to injury or illness caused by or aggravated by their service. 

Their work will also see two more War Graves marked in Hollinwood Cemetery, two in Failsworth, one in Lees and another in Chadderton. 

Thanks to their efforts, in 2023 two War Graves were dedicated at Crompton Cemetery for Private George Warburton and Private Edward Whitehead. 

Maria and Andrew have liaised with other Royal British Legion branches to inform them of the project and the new commemorations in their local cemeteries. 

Maria said: "Andrew and I have been determined to ensure these men receive the recognition they deserve for their service and sacrifice. We hope these dedications will ensure their service is remembered for generations to come." 

And Andrew said: "Seeing these headstones installed is a proud moment and a reminder that it is never too late to recognise those who gave so much." 

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries and members of the Royal British Legion at Greenacres  on Sunday, July 26, and Royton at 10.15am on Saturday, August 22. The ceremonies are also open to members of the public to attend. 

A council spokesperson said: "This is a fitting and long-overdue tribute to men who made the ultimate sacrifice but whose service was never formally recognised. 

"Thanks to the dedication and perseverance of Maria, Andrew, the In From The Cold project and the Manchester Regiment Forum, these servicemen will now receive the honour and recognition they deserve. 

"Their work ensures that these individuals are remembered properly and that future generations can continue to learn about the sacrifices made during the First World War."