THE Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) is appealing for relatives in the North-East of a soldier who died nearly 100 years ago and will soon be commemorated by the organisation.

Gunner Bernard Wilfred Prentice, Royal Garrison Artillery, died on April 5, 1917, aged 29, from pulmonary tuberculosis.

He was married to Florence and was the son-in-law of William Dryden, all of whom live at Tower Street, Easington Colliery, County Durham.

His occupation is recorded as ‘Blacksmiths Striker in Railway Shops’.

The CWGC would like to find Bernard’s relatives as they may wish to know that he is to be commemorated by the Commission and will receive a CWGC headstone in his honour.

Samantha Daynes, media manager for UK Operations at the CWGC, said: “Bernard Prentice died after he was discharged from the army on medical grounds in 1916, and subsequently passed away.

"This may be the reason why we were not alerted to his death at the time.

“However, his case was brought to our attention, and with the help from the In from the Cold Project and the MOD, we can now clarify that Bernard does qualify for commemoration.

“It is always lovely to be able to give a CWGC headstone to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to make sure they are never forgotten. We would love to be able to find family members to share this with.”

Anyone who is related to Bernard Wilfred Prentice could contact the CWGC by emailing enquiries@cwgc.org, with their name and relationship details.