A SOLDIER who died just short of 100 years ago has finally got a gravestone, after research led to him receiving an official Commonwealth War Grave on Tuesday.
Private Matthew Russell served in the First World War. However in April 1, 1920, aged just 36, he died of pulmonary tuberculosis caused by mustard gas poisoning
Until now, Private Russell lay in an unmarked grave in St Helens Cemetery alongside his family, but with no living descendants left, it was left to others to finally get Matthew the tribute he so rightly deserved.
Commonwealth War Graves are given to men and women who died in the First and Second World Wars.
However, many people who died of their injuries or struggles stemming from the war have not yet had their recognition, particularly if they no longer have living relatives to put forward evidence of their claim.
This was the case for Private Russell, originally from Dublin, but who lived on Baldwin Street with his wife and two daughters. Both daughters went on to not have any children.
On Tuesday, October 29, after years of laying in an unmarked grave, Matthew was given a Commonwealth War grave.
Marlene Downey, of the Friends of St Helens Cemetery, said: "Especially with the 100 years since the end of the First World War last year, there has been more and more interest in our war graves.
"I responded to an appeal from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and we were able to confirm there were no direct descendants of Matthew left.
"You need a lot of evidence so it takes some time, made more difficult if you aren't family with information to fall back on, but we did it.
"Matthew is buried in an unmarked grave alongside seven of his wives relatives after he died in 1920 of pulmonary TB
"He had been a prisoner of war and was not treated, or not treated properly, for mustard gas poisoning.
"Despite the fact he did come home, his injuries from the war are what killed him.
"When I found out that they were finally giving him a war grave and that it would be installed ahead of Remembrance Sunday I was just thrilled.
"It was quite a moment seeing it finally installed, after nearly 100 years he finally has the recognition he deserves.
"He's had a long wait."
On Tuesday, another Commonwealth War Grave was installed after campaigning from the deceased's family.
Francis Clisham, who served in the Royal Field Artillery, died on February 18, 1920, aged 37.
He was wounded in action in 1915 and had suffered serious burns from a shell explosion.
He died years later of his injuries.
Private Russell is buried close to the Hard Lane entrance of the cemetery in Section 27.
Gunner Clisham is buried in Section 32.
Information of grave locations are found at both entrances of the cemetery.
n For more information on Commonwealth War Graves visit cwgc.org
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