A FORMER soldier has performed an act of respect to bring comfort to the family of a private killed 60 years ago in one of the most crucial actions of the Second World War.

Royal Artillery veteran Douglas Wilks laid a spray of poppies at the grave of Matthew Ross who died in the battle for Kohima in Burma.

Mr Wilks, of Witton-le-Wear, County Durham, tracked down the war grave last month as he retraced his wartime steps across the Far East.

Having been involved in many engagements with Japanese troops, Mr Wilks wanted to return with the British Legion to pay his respects to those who lost their lives.

While visiting Kohima War Cemetery for a remembrance service, he looked for the headstone of the Durham Light Infantryman, who died on April 23, 1944, aged 37.

He learned of the efforts of Private Ross's family to uncover his fate through The Northern Echo and was pleased to visit the grave on their behalf.

On his return, Mr Wilks, 84, met 26-year-old Suzanne German-Iddon, Private Ross's great granddaughter, who was shown photographs of the cemetery and the grave.

It was only recently that Pte Ross's children and grandchildren discovered how he died after research by Ms German-Iddon.

Although Pte Ross' name is carved on memorials in Durham Cathedral and in his home village of Escomb, County Durham, his descendants knew little of his fate.

Ms German-Iddon, who also lives in Escomb, said: "It is marvellous just to see his grave, to know someone has taken the time to stand by my great grandfather's grave and lay some flowers to show he is not forgotten is wonderful.

"Mr Wilks is the first person to visit his grave, it is very comforting for the family and I'm so grateful.

"I'd like to go out there one day myself. We didn't know much about him until I did some research and now I feel like I know him."

Mr Wilks said: "It was a very moving experience and brought home how lucky some of us were to return.

"I came away satisfied that those who didn't now have the resting places they deserve, which are well cared for and respected, and it was a great comfort to see them at peace. "