Princess Anne pays respect to unidentified Scots soldiers who received military burial

Two unidentified World War One Scots soldiers have received a military burial in Northern France where Princess Anne paid her respects.

The event, which took place at the Loos British Cemetery extension on September 26, was organised by the Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC).

The Princess Royal formally inaugurated the new cemetery as she honoured the soldiers who were laid to rest.

The project was commissioned after a large number of World War One remains were discovered during the construction of a nearby hospital.

The JCCC identified 48 sets of remains along with many Scottish Regimental artefacts.

Whilst 46 remains were buried in a private ceremony, one unknown soldier of The Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) and a second unknown Scottish soldier were laid to rest by serving soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Princess Anne was in attendance to pay her respects Ministry of Defence

The ceremony, which commemorated all 48 fallen soldiers, included a firing party and a piper.

Tracey Bowers, MOD War Detective, said: “This was an incredibly important ceremony. It is a privilege to be here with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal as we bury these last two soldiers from, what was, a huge recovery of remains. They will now rest in the presence of their regimental family.”

Padre David Anderson, Senior Chaplain 51st Infantry Brigade and HQ Scotland, added: “It is a tremendous honour and privilege to be here having served with The Black Watch, 3^rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and toured Afghanistan with them, it has tremendous poignancy for me to be here to reinter the remains of two unknown soldiers one, known to be of the Black Watch, and another known only to be Scottish. It’s good that the soldiers of the Royal Regiment of Scotland are here today to bury their comrades in arms.”

Although none of the remains could be identified by name, the JCCC continues efforts to identify several other casualties recovered at the same location, with the aim of burying them at Loos British Cemetery Extension.

Scottish Regimental Artefacts were also discovered at the site Ministry of Defence

Director general of the CWGC, Claire Horton CBE, said: “We are truly grateful and deeply honoured to have welcomed our President, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, to inaugurate our new cemetery and pay her respects to the brave men who have now been laid to rest here.

“This occasion marks a significant milestone for the Commission, reflecting our unwavering commitment to honouring the sacrifices made by those who served. It also emphasises that our vital work to care for the fallen all around the world is very much ongoing.

“As we gather here today, we reaffirm our promise to maintain the graves of those interred in Loos British Cemetery Extension, and of their comrades, ensuring that their legacy will endure in perpetuity.”