Identification of Graves for Five Normandy Soldiers Revealed

The graves of five soldiers, who were reported missing during the Battle of Normandy, have been successfully identified and were rededicated this week. A commemorative service held at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer on 30 September 2026 paid tribute to all five men.

Rededication Services Across Normandy

The rededication services took place at various war cemeteries in Normandy. Private George Chapman of the 1st Battalion The Herefordshire Regiment was honoured at the CWGC St Charles-de-Percy War Cemetery on 29 September 2026. This was followed by services for Private Vincent Coia of the 7th Battalion The Seaforth Highlanders and Lance Corporal Reginald Cyril Dewey of the 4th Battalion The Lincolnshire Regiment at CWGC Bayeux War Cemetery on 30 September 2026. Serjeant Frederick Albert Harrison of the 1st Battalion The Dorsetshire Regiment was commemorated at CWGC Hottot-les-Bagues War Cemetery, while Corporal Henry Thomas Read of the 8th Battalion The Rifle Brigade was honoured at CWGC Ranville War Cemetery on 1 October 2026.

A newly installed headstone bearing Serjeant Harrison’s name was unveiled during the ceremonies, accompanied by floral tributes laid in his honour.

Family Presence and Sentiments

Members of the families of Chapman, Dewey, and Read were present for the rededication services. Although the Coia and Harrison families could not attend, a heartfelt message from Reg Harrison, the 95-year-old younger brother of Serjeant Harrison, was read at his graveside in Hottot-les-Bagues War Cemetery. The message expressed pride and remembrance, highlighting the sacrifices made by his brother during the war.

Reg’s message conveyed: “Although I didn’t know my brother very well, as I was only young when he left home to join the army, I’m very proud of him and what he achieved, and what he went onto do for his King and country. It was soldiers like Fred that helped us win the war and keep us safe. Always in my thoughts. Your young brother, Reg.”

Support from Military and Community

The rededication services were organised by the Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), known colloquially as the ‘War Detectives’. The events received support from serving soldiers of 5th Battalion The Rifles, 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, and 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Rosie Barron, a JCCC Caseworker, remarked on the significance of the event, stating: “It has been an honour to have organised these rededication services and to have played a part in giving these families answers about what happened to their relatives. The local community in Normandy has warmly welcomed both the families and the military party. For them, the Battle of Normandy is not merely commemorated but celebrated as the moment they regained their liberty after four long years of occupation. The sacrifices made by these men were not in vain. There are still many graves in Normandy that may be identifiable with further investigation, so this work will continue into the future.”

Honouring the Legacy of Fallen Soldiers

Reverend Paul Collins CF, Chaplain to 5th Battalion The Rifles, conducted the services. He expressed his honour in being part of these rededications, stating: “These brave soldiers gave their lives in the events following D-Day, which led to the liberation of France and the defeat of the Nazis. It is fitting that due to the hard work of the JCCC Commemorations Team and others, we now know who these soldiers were and where they are buried. Their graves now bear their names for all those who visit in the future to see and remember.”

Previously commemorated on the Bayeux Memorial to the Missing, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) has now replaced the headstones of these five soldiers with named markers and will care for them in perpetuity.

A Commitment to Remembering the Fallen

Dr James Wallis, Head of Commemorations at the CWGC, stated: “The Commission’s staff consider it a privilege to care for the now-identified graves of these five soldiers who were killed in the aftermath of D-Day during the Battle of Normandy. The impact of loss upon the respective families of these casualties still resonates strongly – so we are thankful to those who instigated each identification and to the work of partner organisations that has led to this outcome and brought us together today.”