Remains of WW1 hero killed at the Somme finally buried after he was identified by pile of artefacts found in farmer’s field
Private Henry Parker was not discovered until February 2014, where it was found in a farmer’s field in France
A FIRST World War soldier who was killed at the Battle of the Somme more than 100 years ago has finally been laid to rest.
Private Henry Parker, of the 5th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, died during an incremental advance towards the enemy trenches on September 26, 1916.
But his body was not discovered until February 2014, where it was found in a farmer's field on the outskirts of the village of Martinpuich, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France.
Military insignia recovered with the remains contributed to his eventual identification, which was confirmed using DNA analysis.
His burial with full military honours at the Warlencourt British Cemetery, near the French city of Arras, was attended by 20 members of his family, including his great niece, Pat Burton.
She said: "It is a great honour for us to be here today to pay our respects to a great uncle, Private Henry Parker."
His burial, with full military honours, took place last Wednesday at the Warlencourt British Cemetery, near Arras, France.
Private Parker's niece, Margaret Parker, who was unable to attend the ceremony, said: "Since the news that Uncle Henry has been found, I have had the honour and privilege to not only catch up with relatives I did know but also to meet others for the first time when I went to Richmond.
"We have been brought together through the brave actions of Uncle Henry, who, 100 years ago, gave his life for us and all that we hold dear.
"I would like to thank all who have been involved, having given time and unstinting efforts to reunite Uncle Henry with us, his family, and bring us some closure."
Soldiers from the Yorkshire Regiment provided the bearer party and fired a salute at the service last Wednesday.
Parker died near Martinpuich - three days short of his 23rd birthday and halfway through the bloodiest battle of the First World War.
He was born in the small hamlet of Weaverthorpe, in the Yorkshire Wolds.
The greater part of his service was holding the frontline with his battalion in the Ypres Salient area.
It was not until August 1916 that his Battalion was redeployed from Flanders, along with the other units of the 50th Division, to the Somme.
Private Parker was killed during an incremental advance towards the 'Flers' enemy trench from the 'Starfish' line - three days before his 23rd birthday.
Private Parker's brothers, James and Thomas Parker, who had both seen active service during the Great War, returned home safely.
In 2014, the remains of Private Parker were discovered in a farmer's field on the outskirts of Matinpuich, Nord-Pas-de-Calais.
The Joint Customs Consultative Committee (JCCC) undertook genealogy and historical research with the Green Howards Museum in Yorkshire in an attempt to discover a potential identity.
A shortlist of 12 possible names was identified and JCCC was able to trace surviving relatives of all 12 families and arrange DNA testing.
The military insignia recovered with the remains was key to the eventual identification of the soldier.
In February 2017, a surviving relative had been confirmed and the identification of Henry Parker was established.
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