WWI digger identified with new DNA techniques
Posted
Updated
David (L) and Geoffrey Storey kneel beside their uncle's grave. (ABC News: Stephanie Kennedy)
A World War I digger recovered from a battlefield in Belgium has been identified and a ceremony has been held to replace his headstone with one that is inscribed with his name.
Last year five soldiers discovered in 2006 were buried with military honours in a war cemetery just outside Zonnebeke.
At that time the names of only two of the soldiers were known.
Now after scientists used new DNA matching techniques a third has been identified as Private George Storey from Western Australia.
Private Storey died during the treacherous Passchendaele campaign in September 1917.
His two nephews David and Geoffrey travelled from Perth to Belgium for a moving ceremony to replace the headstone at the digger's grave.
The words 'Known unto God' have been replaced with Private George Story's name.
His family says it is a huge relief to be able to pay their respects.
