A NEW 1914-1918 war memorial at Brookwood Military Cemetery in Surrey was unveiled on November 4 — and Francis Edward Brimacombe of Sutcombe was among the 260 names inscribed, writes Zoë Uglow.

Francis, great-uncle of Holsworthy Museum volunteer Shawn Dymond, has his name on a war memorial in Sutcombe. However, after a search of the Commonwealth War Graves Commision, in an attempt to find out more about his history, it was discovered that Francis was among the hundreds of men and women whose names have been ‘forgotten’ by the commission.

Unfortunately, many records were destroyed by enemy action during the Second World War and have led to many names being missed out — making research difficult and often impossible.

The little information that is known about Francis was pieced together to give an insight into his life.

He was conscripted into the 53rd Battalion, Devonshire Regiment at the age of 18 early in 1918. Deemed to be below medical standard for overseas service, he was transferred to the 603, Agricultural Battalion, Labour Corps.

He eventually found himself working on a farm in Warbstow — about 25 miles from his home in Sutcombe. While at the farm Francis contracted influenza and pneumonia and died on December 28, 1918.

There was never a headstone to mark Francis’ grave and to this day the location of where he was buried is unknown.

Combining all this research with relevant family history and birth certificates, Shawn Dymond was able to submit an application to the Commonwealth War Graves Commision in 2009 for their consideration.

The commission has a strict and rigorous means test every ‘new’ casualty has to meet — on May 11, 2010 the application was successful and the family was informed that Francis’ name would appear of the Roll of Honour.

Five years later on November 4 the new Brookwood 1914-1918 memorial was unveiled — dedicated to and commemorating those who, until now, had previously had no official recognition.

The names featured are predominantly those of servicemen and women who died, in 1918 and 1919, of wounds or injury while in the care of families or, like Francis, while on active service in the UK.

The family members of those being commemorated were invited to attend the unveiling at a private service at Brookwood Military Cemetery.

The Duke of Kent was in attendance and during the moving and memorable service dedicated the memorial, afterwards showing a real interest in listening to the stories the families had to tell surrounding some of the names inscribed.

Shawn Dymond said: “The events of the day will remain with me for many years, but, more importantly for me is the fact that the name of Francis Edward Brimacombe and the part he played in the war — however small — will be remembered forever.”