Relatives of two Wooburn Green soldiers who were never recognised as war dead are being urged to come forward ahead of a commemoration service.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) is appealing for the family members of the two soldiers from the village to get in touch with them before they are officially commemorated and given a CWGC headstone in their honour.

Sapper Charles Alexander John East and Private Frederick William Godfrey, both died in the UK due to illness or injuries sustained during their active service in the First World War.

However, the CWGC were never informed of their deaths and were therefore not commemorated as war dead.

Sapper East, of the Royal Engineers, was 40-years-old when he died on November 27, 1918. He was married to Eliza East of Ferry Lane, Bourne End and was the son of William and Eliza Ann East.

Private Godfrey, of the Hampshire Regiment, was 39 when he died on November 24, 1918 and was married to Florence Henrietta Godfrey. They lived in Wooburn Green.

Samantha Daynes, media manager for UK Operations at the CWGC, said: “Both men died whilst serving their country and whilst we weren’t alerted to their death at the time, we now recognise them as war dead. 

“Whether our men and women who served during both World Wars died on the battlefields far from home, or back on British soil, they must all be remembered.

“We would love to be able to find the family of these two soldiers.”

If you are a direct relative of either Charles or Frederick, contact the CWGC by emailing enquiries@cwgc.org , with your name and details of relationship.