Private Henry Parker, from Weaverthorpe, of the 5th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, laid to rest

Private Henry Parker, from Weaverthorpe, of the 5th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, was killed during an incremental advance towards the enemy trenches on September 26, 1916 – three days short of his 23rd birthday.

His body was never recovered from the battlefield, but was discovered almost a century later, in February 2014, in a farmer’s field on the outskirts of the village of Martinpuich, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France.

Military insignia recovered with the remains contributed to his eventual identification, which was confirmed using DNA analysis.

His burial, with full military honours, took place last Wednesday at the Warlencourt British Cemetery, near Arras, France.

Beverley Simon, of the MoD’s joint casualty and compassionate centre (JCCC), which helped identify the body, said: “It has been an honour to organise today’s ceremony and to ensure this brave soldier has been buried with the dignity and respect he deserves.

"It has been a privilege to have met Private Parker’s family and to personally involve them with the planning of his burial.”

The burial service was attended by 20 members of Private Parker’s family, including his great-nephew, Francis Storry, who provided the DNA which enabled the soldier’s identification.

In February 2014, after the remains were discovered, the JCCC undertook genealogy and historical research with the Green Howards Museum in Yorkshire in an attempt to discover a potential identity.

A shortlist of 12 possible names was identified and JCCC was able to trace surviving relatives of all 12 families and arrange DNA testing.

In February 2017, the news came through that Mr Storry had been confirmed as a surviving relative and the identification of Henry Parker was established.

Henry’s brothers James and Thomas Parker, who had both also seen active service during the first world war, returned home safely from the conflict.

Margaret Parker, niece of Private Parker, who was unable to attend the ceremony, said: “Since the news that Uncle Henry has been found, I have had the honour and privilege to not only catch up with relatives I did know but also to meet others for the first time when I went to Richmond.

“We have been brought together through the brave actions of Uncle Henry, who, 100 years ago, gave his life for us and all that we hold dear.

“I would like to thank all who have been involved, having given time and unstinting efforts to reunite Uncle Henry with us, his family, and bring us some closure.”

Soldiers from the Yorkshire Regiment provided the bearer party and fired a salute at the service.