Recognition of Fallen Soldiers in Normandy
This week marked a significant moment as the graves of five soldiers, previously unaccounted for during the Battle of Normandy, were identified and officially rededicated. A commemorative service was held at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer to honour the bravery and sacrifice of these men on 30 September 2026.
The rededication ceremonies took place at various war cemeteries across Normandy. Private George Chapman from the 1st Battalion The Herefordshire Regiment was commemorated at CWGC St Charles-de-Percy War Cemetery on 29 September 2026. The following day, Private Vincent Coia of the 7th Battalion The Seaforth Highlanders and Lance Corporal Reginald Cyril Dewey from the 4th Battalion The Lincolnshire Regiment were honoured at CWGC Bayeux War Cemetery. Further tributes were paid to Serjeant Frederick Albert Harrison of the 1st Battalion The Dorsetshire Regiment at CWGC Hottot-les-Bagues War Cemetery, and Corporal Henry Thomas Read of the 8th Battalion The Rifle Brigade was remembered at CWGC Ranville War Cemetery on 1 October 2026.
Family Presence and Emotional Tributes
Members of the families of Chapman, Dewey, and Read attended their respective rededication services. Although the Coia and Harrison families were unable to be present, a heartfelt message from Reg Harrison, the 95-year-old younger brother of Serjeant Harrison, was read aloud at Hottot-les-Bagues War Cemetery. His words conveyed a deep sense of pride and remembrance:
“Although I didn’t know my brother very well, as I was only young when he left home to join the army, I’m very proud of him and what he achieved, and what he went onto do for his King and country. It was soldiers like Fred that helped us win the war, and keep us safe. Always in my thoughts. Your young brother, Reg.”
The rededication services were organised by the Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), often referred to as the ‘War Detectives’. They received support from serving soldiers of the 5th Battalion The Rifles, 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, and 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The Role of the Community and Military Support
Rosie Barron, a caseworker with the JCCC, expressed her sentiments regarding the significance of the ceremonies. She remarked, “It has been an honour to have organised these rededication services and to have played a part in giving these families answers as to what happened to their relatives. The local community in Normandy has been very welcoming of both the families and the military party. For them, the Battle of Normandy is not just commemorated but celebrated as the moment that they regained their liberty after four long years of occupation. The sacrifices made by these men were not in vain. There are many graves in Normandy which may yet be identifiable with further investigation, so this work will continue into the future.”
Reverend Paul Collins CF, Chaplain to the 5th Battalion The Rifles, led the rededication services and highlighted the importance of honouring these brave individuals:
“It is my privilege to be part of these rededication services. These brave soldiers gave their lives in the events following D-Day which led to the liberation of France and the defeat of the Nazis. It is fitting that due to the hard work of the JCCC Commemorations Team and others, we now know who these soldiers were and where they are buried. The graves now bear their names for all those who visit in the future to see and remember.”
Newly Identified Graves and Ongoing Commemoration Efforts
Previously commemorated on the Bayeux Memorial to the missing, the graves of these five men have now been marked with named headstones, which will be maintained in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). Dr James Wallis, Head of Commemorations at the CWGC, shared his reflections on the importance of this event:
“The Commission’s staff consider it a privilege to care for the now-identified graves of these five soldiers who were killed in the aftermath of D-Day during the Battle of Normandy. The impact of loss upon the respective families of these casualties still resonates strongly – so we are thankful to those who instigated each identification and furthermore to the work of partner organisations which has led to this outcome and brought us together today.”