Poppy In memoriam Poppy

An unknown North Irish Horseman

 

Unknown 1

 

This unknown North Irish Horseman lies in Queens Cemetery, Bucquoy, Pas-de-Calais, grave IV.E.18. Private Thomas Bryson of the North Irish Horse lies next to him. The bodies of both men were recovered in November 1919 from burial sites just north of Grandcourt and the Ancre River (map ref. 57.d.R.2.c.1.2 for this man, and 57d.R.2.d.0.9 for Bryson). They were then moved to the Queens Cemetery. When found, this man's grave was not marked by a cross or anything else to assist with his identification. However a North Irish Horse badge was found on his body. (See Burial Return form below.) The gravestone inscription reads:

A SOLDIER

OF THE GREAT WAR

NORTH IRISH HORSE

KNOWN UNTO GOD

It seems likely that this man was either Private John Roberts, who was killed on 21 August 1918, the same day as Private Bryson, or Private John McVea, killed five days later. Both men are listed amongst the missing, their names commemorated on the Vis-en-Artois Memorial.

 

Unknown 2

 

Unknown 3

 

Images of gravestones and the burial return kindly provided by Peter Woodger.