Burials at New Irish Farm Cemetery

A burial service for two Unknown Soldiers of The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) from the First World War was held today, 9 October, at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) New Irish Farm Cemetery.

The two soldiers were found alongside twenty-two other casualties during ground work at a development near Briekestraat, near Ypres. This is thought to be the site of the original Irish Farm Cemetery, which had been created during the war.

It had previously been believed that the soldiers had been transferred to New Irish Farm Cemetery following the end of the war.

Research suggested that the casualties may have been two of four soldiers of the 1st Battalion The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) who are commemorated on the Menin Gate, however DNA testing failed to provide a conclusive result.

Christine Connerty, CWGC said: “Although it has not been possible to identify these two Royal Fusiliers by name, we are honoured to lay them to rest with respect and dignity alongside their comrades at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s New Irish Farm Cemetery. We proudly mark their graves, ensuring that their service and sacrifice will not be forgotten. The Commission will care for them, together with all of those who served and fell, in perpetuity.”

The event and investigation were conducted by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) and the burial service was supported by current soldiers of 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, who supplied two bearer parties and a firing party for the ceremony.

Of the remaining three soldiers, two are known to have been from The Essex Regiment. They will be buried in New Irish Farm Cemetery on 5 November 2019.