Grave of Donegal soldier formally identified in France over 100 years after death

The grave of a Donegal solider who went missing in France during the First World War has been identified over 100 years after his death,

A rededication service took place on Tuesday at the graveside of Company Quartermaster Sergeant (CQMS) John Doherty MM (Military Medal), who went missing on March 22, 1918.

The location, at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's (CWGC) Savy British Cemetery near Saint Quentin,was discovered after his great great nephew submitted evidence to CWGC hoping to have identified his final resting place.

Further research by CWGC, the National Army Museum and Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) confirmed his findings.

Chris Doherty, great nephew of CQMS Doherty said: “My Grandfather William survived the war. ensured his brothers John, Daniel and James who all gave their lives so we could live ours free, that their names would never be forgotten.

“On behalf of the Doherty family, we wish to thank and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Rosie Barron and JCCC War Detectives and their colleagues at the CWGC that have given myself and my family the privilege of being present today of the rededication of the final resting place of our grand uncle, in this beautiful setting, in the company of his comrades, some of whom he may have lived, fought and died with.”

The service was supported by serving members of 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment

The service, attended by members of the extended Doherty family, was organised by the Ministry of Defence's JCCC, also known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’. It was also attended by serving soldiers of The Royal Irish Regiment.

CQMS Doherty, who hailed from Letterkenny, was a regular soldier of The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who had seen previous service in South Africa.

He arrived on the Western Front on 23 August 1914, shortly after the outbreak of the First World War.

In 1915, he saw action in Gallipoli before returning to the Western Front.

He was later awarded the Military Medal which was published in the London Gazette of July 18, 1917. On March 13, 1918, he was appointed the acting CQMS to D Company, 1^st Battalion The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

The four Doherty brothers served with The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers during the First World War, with three of them making the ultimate sacrifice and William Doherty surviving.

Lance Corporal Daniel Doherty was killed on 1 July 1916 whilst serving with 11th Battalion and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial.

Corporal James Doherty was killed on 16 August 1917 whilst serving with 11^th Battalion and attached 109th Trench Mortar Battery and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial.

On the morning of March 21, 1918, the German Army launched Operation Michael, the first phase of its Spring Offensive.

In 1917, Russia had surrendered in the east and the USA had joined the war on the side of the Allies.

The aim of the spring offensive was to defeat Allies in the west before American troops could arrive in number. When the attack commenced 1st Battalion The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers were located at Le Hamel, southwest of Saint Quentin. They were ordered up to the battle area and remained in their positions under heavy shellfire that day.

On 22 March 1918, the battalion was attacked again and forced back with heavy casualties. Around 40 men, all that remained of the battalion, fought their way through the enemy.

By the end of the day more than 500 men were missing. CQMS Doherty, aged 36, was amongst them and was commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial.

Tuesday's service was conducted by the Reverend Jason Clarke MBE CF, Chaplain to 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment.

Rev Clarke said: “Today we rededicate this grave and in so doing acknowledge by name CQMS John Doherty. In so doing we honour his memory and give thanks for his example of courage to the end. In the horror of such terrible fighting, he was faithful and true, fighting alongside his men and giving his life in the defence of others.”