WWI Soldier Buried in Ypres with Full Military Honours

In 2019 the bodies of three British soldiers were found on the First World War battlefield of Ypres. Using DNA technology, one of the soldiers was identified as Pte Willam Meager, a 38-year-old from Bloomsbury in London.
On September 27, 2023 he was laid to rest with full military honours. His two comrades could not be identified and were buried alongside him as Unknown Soldiers.
This video captures the solemn dignity of a military reburial.

[@flembag32]

Thank you for posting this Matt, we will remember them.

[@MatMcLachlanHistory]

Thanks for watching.

[@Porrohman19]

That was moving! ❤ So good that they take the time to try to identify those that have been missing for so long. It’s a pity they were not able to for two of the soldiers.

[@MatMcLachlanHistory]

Yes, I agree. The DNA of the other two soldiers has been retained, so hopefully they can be identified as technology improves.

[@ultraruna]

It seems with the very fabric of our country falling apart around us, at least we seem able to honor our fallen soldiers, known or unknown, may this at least continue. "The very least of them was a better man than I"

[@syahidisafian]

Good day Mat, thank you for documenting this for us. I have my trip booked to Ypres as I came across your channel, I am grateful to have found a channel that I can relate to, I simply cannot wait for my visit to Ypres in 2024.

[@MatMcLachlanHistory]

Thanks for the message. Ypres is a wonderful place. Enjoy your trip!

[@HooDatDonDar]

Thanks for this reminder of the cost of war. Almost nothing is worth it.
Almost.
Sometimes, the alternative is worse. Then we are lucky to have men like these, who saved us from the worst.

[@SteveMikre44]

Thank you for sharing. They will be remembered...

[@MatMcLachlanHistory]

Thank you for watching.

[@MXR_Sparky]

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we WILL remember them. ❤

[@sararedfearn4691]

The very best of what it means to be British. Rest in peace. Thank you to the military contingent for the professionalism,respect and honour .

[@waynemanning3262]

Respect!

[@gp8909]

Respect to all who died. To para phrase... rest easy your watch is over. R.I.P !

[@philipnorris6542]

At the going down of the Sun and in the morning we will remember them.

[@savethebeesplantherbs8809]

I wish they could find my great uncle albert wood 1st battlion gloucestershire regiment he has no grave died 31st october 1914 battle of gheluvelt

[@pauldurkee4764]

I hope you get your wish and they find him, as technology improves, they continue to find people lost.
Interesting the Gloucestershire Regiment fought with the South Wales Borderers at Gheluvelt, both had that distinctive cap badge with the sphinx with the motto Egypt.

[@dxfan18]

My great granduncle was KIA at Ypres, his name is on the Menin Gate, he was a Rifleman in the London Irish Rifles

[@katemeager1804]

Thank you for this Mat, we attended the funeral of our Great Uncle William Meager, our heartfelt gratitude goes out to everyone involved in the entire process. So much hard work and great respect shown by everyone, those behind the scenes and the Military, plus the many locals & dignitaries from Ypres who came. It was a truly emotional day. His younger brother was also killed there and his name is listed on the Menin Gate.

[@tx3851]

Thankyou for posting this moving video....We must truly never forget....

[@MatMcLachlanHistory]

My pleasure

[@dougm5341]

The muffled drum’s sad roll has beat, the soldier’s last tattoo. No more on life’s parade shall meet, that brave and fallen few…..Theodore O’Hara. “The Bivouac of the Dead.”

[@DarlingJamesStyle]

This was very moving, thank you for sharing!

[@MatMcLachlanHistory]

Thanks for watching.

[@martindack60]

So beautiful

[@MatMcLachlanHistory]

It certainly was.

[@xTraculx]

Never Forget! Thank you for sharing

[@MatMcLachlanHistory]

Thanks for watching.

[@deanmurphy5735]

Thank you for sharing this Matt.

[@MatMcLachlanHistory]

Thanks for watching!