WW1 soldier to get headstone 108 years after death

The grave of a World War One soldier will be commemorated with an official headstone, 108 years after his death.

Pte Alfred Holdcroft, from Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, died in 1918 while he was recovering from injuries he sustained on the opening day of the Somme offensive in July 1916.

He was laid to rest in Burslem Cemetery but his grave was left unmarked until it was rededicated during a ceremony in September 2025, when a wooden cross was set in the ground.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission initially denied an application for an official headstone but, following a review, the decision has now been overturned.

It will be put in place at the cemetery, subject to verification of his grave and the necessary permissions, Stoke-on-Trent City Council said.

Councillor Steve Watkins, the authority's armed forces champion, described it as 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," he added.

The story of Holdcroft, who was part of the 1/5th North Staffordshire Regiment, came to light during research carried out by the Royal Doulton Burslem Memorial project.

Among the guests attending the September rededication was his grandson, also called Alfred, who thanked the organisers for "bringing grandad home".

Researcher Ruth Butler said the decision to give Holdcroft an official headstone corrected a "long-standing omission".

"Alfred Holdcroft has finally received the recognition he deserves," she added.

"His service to king and country is now formally honoured, ensuring his sacrifice will not be forgotten."

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