The MOD War Detectives
The MOD War Detectives are tasked with identifying missing British Service Personnel from the two World Wars and the Korean War. Working closely with partners including the Commonwealth War Graves Commission their work has two main strands – the identification of remains recently recovered from the battlefields, and the identification of those currently buried in graves marked ‘Known to God’. The potential candidates for a newly recovered casualty are first shortlisted using a range of archival sources before genealogical research is undertaken to establish descendants suitable for DNA testing. In these cases identity is confirmed only on the basis of successful DNA matching. For those buried as ‘Known to God’ identification is carried out only via archival research which has to prove the case to be clear and convincing, though genealogical research is carried out after the case is approved in order to notify the casualty’s next of kin.
Whether or not it is possible to identify a newly found casualty, the War Detectives also organise a full military funeral for them – arranging their burial alongside their comrades in the CWGC cemeteries. For those who are successfully identified from ‘Known to God’ status a service of rededication is organised, to recognise that the man has now been named.
In the last 12 months the team has rededicated the graves of 38 men, and buried a further 93 – they have travelled to across the Western Front on numerous occasions during this period, but also visited Italy and South Korea.
Alexia Clark
Having had a passion for history and archives from a young age, Alexia studied History and Archaeology at the University of Wales before swerving away from her plan to work in archives for the lure of 3d objects in museums. She was employed in a variety of roles at Herefordshire Museums Service and the Museum in the Park, Stroud over a 17-year period, gaining an MA in Museum Studies from the University of Leicester during this time. She was involved in all aspects of museum work from washing wine glasses after a private view, to helping primary-age children to learn about the Stone Age, and facilitating access to the Dinosaur collections for world-leading experts.
Alexia became aware of the work of the War Detectives during the World War One Commemoration period, and having caught the bug for researching the stories of individual soldiers represented in museum collections, she freely admits she began ‘stalking the team’ waiting for a role with them to become available. That role came up in early 2023, and she has now been with the team for two years. Alexia is also currently studying for an MSc in Genealogy via the University of Strathclyde.
Light refreshments are included in the ticket price, as well as the opportunity to explore the museum after dark before the talk begins.
