The remains of a soldier who lost his life in the Korean War in 1951 have been identified by Ministry of Defence war detectives.

Major Patrick Angier from Hatherden, just north of Andover, was 30 years old when he was killed during an attack at Castle Hill Summit. Chinese troops captured the Company during the night of 22 and 23rd April but as the survivors reorganised, Major Angier was caught in enemy cross-fire.

The MOD Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), known as the 'War Detectives', proved the remains were those of the Gloucestershire Regiment soldier, finally allowing his name to be added to his headstone. 

The graves of Major Angier and Sergeant Donald Northey, aged 23, from Portsmouth, were rededicated at a special ceremony yesterday (13th November) at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, Busan in South Korea. 

Attending the moving service, Major Angier’s grandson, Guy Puzey, said: “Our family has sought many ways over the years to make sure my grandfather’s name and memory live on. His death left many ripples across the generations, and he is still missed. I believe the lack of a known grave made the pain more acute, so the new findings are of huge significance.”

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Mr Puzey went on to thank the staff at the UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea, the British Embassy in Seoul and the UN Command. He also paid special tribute to war detective, Nicola Nash who had painstakingly examined casualty files at the UK’s National Archives, museum records and personal documents before submitting her findings to an independent Ministry of Defence board. 

Ms Nash said it had been an honour to reconcile the families: “After more than 70 years, it is wonderful to be able to give these men, previously unknown, a name and reunite them with their families. It has been such a privilege to be here with the families to pay our respects to these men that gave everything for our freedom.” 

The British Ambassador to The Republic of Korea, Colin Crooks LVO said:  “It was a profound honour to be part of today’s ceremony alongside the families of these brave soldiers who gave their lives in service during the Korean War and whose sacrifices have, until now, remained unmarked. By naming these graves, we not only offer a measure of closure at last to their families and loved ones but also ensure their legacy lives on as a testament to the enduring friendship between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea.” 

When the Battle of the Imjin River began, Major Angier was in command of A Company on Point 148, known as Castle Hill.

Following his death, a comrade wrote: ‘Major Angier always had his company’s welfare and morale in the forefront of his thinking. We all loved him deeply’.