The descendants of a Moray soldier who was killed in World War I have been traced more than 100 years after his death.
The remains of Lance Corporal John Morrison, who came from Brodie, were discovered in France two years ago and DNA tests were carried out to identify his nearest living relatives.
Ministry of Defence experts tracked down LCpl Morrison’s 90-year-old nephew, Dr Ian Morrison, in Dingwall and his cousin, Sheila Thomson, in Forres – just two miles away from the infantryman’s family home.
Dr Morrison and Mrs Thomson have now paid what they described as a “poignant” visit to the Fort George barracks, near Ardersier, to learn more about their ancestor from a century ago.
And they will travel to France next month to observe a burial ceremony for the fallen 1st Battalion Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) soldier.
LCpl Morrison was killed in January 1915, aged 29, and his remains were discovered at Cuinchy, near Arras.
He was discovered with a spoon which had been engraved with his service number – 5181.
The object provided a vital clue in determining the soldier’s identity, along with insignia found with the body.
The MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre subsequently carried out DNA tests and traced his nearest living relatives.
LCpl Morrison will be given a full ceremonial burial next month in Arras. The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, will provide soldiers to bear the coffin, fire the salute and play the pipes.
Dr Morrison said he was indebted to the efforts made by the military to link him with his “heroic” forebear.
He added: “My cousin and I have been immensely impressed and grateful for the investigative work carried out by the MOD’s JCCC, and by the Black Watch in honouring one of their own with a full ceremonial burial.
“This discovery has excited intense interest in the Morrison family, a number of whom intend to be present at the forthcoming ceremony in France.”
Beverley Simon, of the MOD’s JCCC team, said: “It is extremely rare but immensely satisfying to be able to trace living relatives of one of the many fallen heroes of the Great War.
“This is particularly poignant in the case of LCpl Morrison as the living relatives are so closely connected.”
