Private (Pte) Reginald Joesph Blake, from Tendring, Essex, was buried in France today nearly 110 years after he went missing in action
Pte Reginald Joseph Blake, of 11th Battalion The Essex Regiment, was laid to rest yesterday (22 April 2026) at a burial service organised by MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’. The service took place at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Loos British Cemetery Extension, which was opened in September 2024.
JCCC Caseworker, Rosie Barron said:
Pte Blake’s remains were recovered in 2020 during the construction of a hospital on the outskirts of Lens. DNA testing, coordinated by JCCC, confirmed his identity. His nephew, Bryan Blake, provided the DNA sample that made identification possible.
Bryan Blake said:
The services were supported by serving soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment and were conducted by their Chaplain, the Reverend Joseph Roberts CF. A Trumpeter from The Band of The Royal Yorkshire Regiment also supported the services.
Reverend Joseph Roberts CF said:
On 21 April 2026 a burial service was also held at CWGC Warlencourt British Cemetery for an unknown soldier found on the Somme. Another unknown soldier was buried yesterday afternoon (22 April 2026) also at CWGC Loos British Cemetery Extension having been found near Arras.
Director of Commemorations at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Richard Hills said: