Upcoming ceremony on the Aisne

3 August 2023

On 6 September, there will be a ceremony to dedicate a headstone to a previously 'missing' Regimental Medical Officer, this will take place at La Ville-aux-Bois British Cemetery, just north of Reims.

Captain Frederick Brooke was killed in action on 27 May 1918 whilst serving as the MO of the 1st Battalion Wiltshire Regiment. His body was, at the time, not identified and for 100 years he has been commemorated on the Soissons Memorial. 

5 Brooke Fajr
Soissons Mem 20150724 140504 Cwgc

Following the submission of evidence, an 'unidentified' grave of an unknown RAMC officer will be changed to show this is the last resting place of Captain Brooke.

It is believed that - aged 55 - Frederick Brooke is the oldest Regimental Medical Officer to be killed in action and buried in France and Belgium. 

The ceremony will take place at 10am and is open to anyone who is in the area. 

Full details of Captain Brooke's story can be found here: Finding Captain Brooke: The oldest Regimental Medical Officer to be killed in the war

Cemetery Street View
La Ville-aux-Bois British Cemetery, where the ceremony will take place on 6 September

Latest news

1000001982 Web
31 March 2026

First World War burials and rededication ceremonies in April 2026

Read more
Gemini Generated Image 7W6j6f7w6j6f7w6j
30 March 2026

Somme 110 Conference: Bookings now open

Read more
2021.169.246 2014 09104 Loos
28 March 2026

Football and the First World War – new exhibition in Kansas City

Read more
Gemini Generated Image Owvhahowvhahowvh
22 March 2026

The Battle of Jutland: I Was There! Personal accounts from both sides

Read more
NMA 6 (1)
20 March 2026

Bilbrook Middle School’s visit to the National Memorial Arboretum

Read more
Wfa Trip To Somme
18 March 2026

WFA Tour - places remain available

Read more