On Wednesday 12th June 2019 at 10.30h a burial service was held for Private Henry Albert Victor Wallington, Private Frank Mead and an unknown soldier of the London Regiment at Hermies Hill British Cemetery, France.

Private Wallington and Private Mead both served with the 23rd Battalion, London Regiment. They were killed on 3 December 1917 during the Battle of Cambrai, while withdrawing from their positions after two weeks of fighting.  The three casualties were recovered near the village of Anneux. Found among their artefacts was a shoulder title of the 23rd Battalion, London Regiment. Historical research and DNA testing by the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre confirmed the identity of two of the soldiers. Attempts to identify the third soldier are ongoing.

The service has been organised by the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre and attended by family members, British Defence Staff, Regimental representatives, CWGC staff and local dignitaries.

Private WALLINGTON, HENRY ALBERT VICTOR - 702424

Died 03/12/1917  Aged 22

1st/23rd Bn. London Regiment

Son of Mr. J. H. Wallington, of 28, Ardgowan Rd., Catford, London.

Inscription: "I AM THE FAMILY FACE; FLESH PERISHES, I LIVE ON, CASTING TRAIT AND TRACE THROUGH TIME TO TIME ANON"

IV. F. 1A-1C. (Coll.)  Previously commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial.

Private MEAD, FRANK - 700918

Died 03/12/1917  Aged 23

1st/23rd Bn. London Regiment

Son of Thomas and Elizabeth L. Mead, of 99, Norwood Rd., Herne Hill, London.

Inscription: "FROM THE FIELD OF HEROES I EMBRACE, MY MOTHER MY FATHER, MY BROTHER REMEMBERED ... NEVER LOST"

IV. F. 1A-1C. (Coll.)  Previously commemorated on the Cambrai Memorial