Belgium Identifies Grave of Angus Soldier Missing Since 1918

The previously unnamed grave of a soldier from Ferryden, Angus, who served with the Seaforth Highlanders, has been identified and rededicated in his honour, 108 years after his death on 22 September 2026.

A Moving Rededication Ceremony

A rededication service for Private George Pert was organised by the UK Ministry of Defence’s ‘War Detectives’ at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Harlebeke New British Cemetery in Belgium. Nicola Nash, a caseworker from the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), expressed the significance of the occasion:

“From a fishing village on the banks of the River Esk to the battlefields of Belgium, George Pert’s journey reflects the sacrifices made by ordinary people during World War One. It was an honour to be there to pay tribute to his life and service.”

The Life and Service of Private Pert

Private Pert grew up in Ferryden, a traditional fishing village situated along the River Esk, before enlisting in the Seaforth Highlanders. His military service took a tragic turn as the war neared its end. On 20 October 1918, amidst intense fighting around Harlebeke, he lost his life during a significant Allied advance that forced the German army into a continuous retreat.

Initially, his body was never recovered, and he was officially recorded as missing in action. However, subsequent research submitted by a member of the public revealed that Private Pert was buried east of Harlebeke and later moved to Harlebeke New British Cemetery following the war.

Honouring a Fallen Soldier

The rededication service was supported by serving soldiers from the 4th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission replaced Pert’s headstone, which now bears his name, commemorating his sacrifice and the solemnity of the occasion.

Polly Brewster, Commemorations Case Officer at CWGC, remarked on the importance of the event: “More than one hundred years after he made the ultimate sacrifice, CWGC is honoured to have supported the identification of Private George Pert’s final resting place. The personal inscription chosen by his family, ‘Gone too soon, but not forgotten,’ serves as a moving tribute to the profound loss experienced by his loved ones. His rededication service today reaffirms the Commission’s enduring commitment to preserving the memory of all those who fell during the two World Wars.”