Pte Alfred Holdcroft from Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, will be commemorated with an official headstone more than a century after his death in 1918.
Holdcroft died while recovering from injuries sustained on the opening day of the Somme offensive in July 1916. He was a member of the 1/5th North Staffordshire Regiment and was laid to rest in Burslem Cemetery.
His grave remained unmarked for over 108 years until a wooden cross was placed at a rededication ceremony in September 2025. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission had initially rejected an application for an official headstone, but has now overturned that decision following a review.
How the story came to light
Holdcroft's story emerged during research carried out by the Royal Doulton Burslem Memorial project. Researcher Ruth Butler described the decision to grant an official headstone as correcting a "long-standing omission".
"Alfred Holdcroft has finally received the recognition he deserves," Ruth Butler said. "His service to king and country is now formally honoured, ensuring his sacrifice will not be forgotten."
Among those attending the September rededication was Holdcroft's grandson, also named Alfred, who thanked organisers for "bringing grandad home".
What happens next
Stoke-on-Trent City Council confirmed the headstone will be placed at Burslem Cemetery, subject to verification of his grave and the necessary permissions. Councillor Steve Watkins, the authority's armed forces champion, called it an important moment "for Alfred's family and for our city".
"For more than a century, Alfred's sacrifice was not officially recognised and it has been an honour to help ensure his sacrifice is not forgotten," the councillor added.