Are all uk WW1 veterans entitled to a war grave

[meathmitchell]

I've recently found the burial place in Leeds of a friends long lost uncle. He served with the British in WW1 and died in 1924. He'd buried in an unmarked paupers grave. I was wondering if anyone knew does the war graves commission put up gravestones for veterans who died after the war? 

[barryd]

Probably very soon after the war but not generally. My in-law Michael Heaviside VC, Private, Durham Light Infantry, survived WWI,  died and was buried just before WW2. No grave marker. Years later one was put up by the Durham Light Infantry Association. Not by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

[meathmitchell]

cheers for that. He was with the rifle brigade of the royal garrison artillery. I wonder do they have an association like that?

[barryd]

Most of the old regiments are still represented but Michael Heavisde was a Victoria Cross holder and some type of organization will make sure VC's have a marker whenever possible. 

[apwright]

Servicemen (and women) of the First World War only qualified for CWGC commemoration if they died between 4 Aug 1914 and 31 Aug 1921; and, if the soldier had been discharged, only if the cause of his death was attributable to his service - i.e. wounds, injuries or disease contracted during service.

Adrian

[meathmitchell]

suicide as a result of shell shock unfortunately - not sure if the CWGC would accept that though

[t mo]

is he buried in the consecrated ground part of the cemetery or no that may have had a bearing on why he is in a paupers grave , the church were quite iffy about suicide victims back then as some thought it a sin to take ones own life never thinking of why or the circumstances behind it , or the torment he was going through .
regards
trevor

[apwright]

suicide as a result of shell shock unfortunately - not sure if the CWGC would accept that though

Not sure if expressed myself clearly above!
Even if his death was proven to be attributable to his service, the CWGC will not accept him because he died after 31 Aug 1921.
See http://www.infromthecold.org/war_grave_criteria.asp for a better explanation!

Adrian

[meathmitchell]

thanks for the help lads.  Your correct about the catholic church's attitude to suicide back then - thankfully times have changed.  There seems to have been several unrelated  people buried in this paupers grave over a very short time - this indicates to me it was on consecrated grounds - i doubt they weren't all suicides.  His niece is very religious and is having a mass said for him, i'm going to look into having his name inscribed on the headstone or some marker put on the grave.