UPDATE: A long-awaited honor has been bestowed upon First World War hero Reginald Clarence Rogers, whose identity remained a mystery for over a century. On March 26, 2023, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission confirmed that the previously unidentified soldier buried in Serre Road No.2 War Graves Cemetery in France is indeed CSM Rogers, who was killed in action on March 26, 1918.
This significant announcement brings closure to a family legacy that has lingered for 102 years. Reginald Rogers, born on March 3, 1889, in Wye, near Ashford, enlisted with the Royal Marine Light Infantry at just 17 years old. His service included deployments to India, Gibraltar, and Hong Kong, and he saw action at critical battles in Europe.
Following the outbreak of war on August 4, 1914, Cpl Rogers was stationed in Ostende and Dunkirk, later engaging in the defense of Antwerp. His bravery earned him promotions, culminating in his role as Acting Company Sergeant-Major by 1917. Tragically, he lost his life during Operation Michael, fighting to cover the Army’s retreat at the River Ancre.
After his body was lost in the battlefield chaos, it was discovered in 1923 but remained unidentified for decades. This month, a meticulous review of Army records by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission led to the recognition of Rogers’ final resting place.
A rededication service was held last month, attended by Staff Chaplain John Money RN and family members, marking the occasion with a new headstone bearing his name. The service featured poignant tributes, including the Last Post played by LCpl Ross Budden of the Band of the Royal Marines, encapsulating the emotional weight of the moment.
Rogers’ widow, Mabel Grace Annie Mills, married him in January 1915 but never remarried after his death in 1918. The couple had no children, leaving a poignant reminder of sacrifice and loss. Tragically, Rogers’ brother, Archibald, also perished in the war, further deepening the family’s sacrifice.
Alexia Clark, a caseworker for the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), expressed gratitude to the researchers whose dedication has restored CSM Rogers’ identity, allowing his family to honor his sacrifice after so many years.
The identification of Reginald Clarence Rogers not only restores a name to a lost hero but also highlights the ongoing efforts to remember and honor the sacrifices made by countless individuals during the First World War. As the world reflects on this historic confirmation, the legacy of CSM Rogers will now be honored, ensuring that his story will be shared for generations to come.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as we explore the lasting impact of CSM Rogers’ legacy on his family and the community.
