First World War conscript Harry Thimbleby died of pneumonia in 1916 at the age of 22, more than a year after suffering serious injuries in a trench collapse.

Although his name appears on the war memorial in his home town of March, he has never been designated an official war grave because it was never proved he died as a direct result of the conflict.

But all that has changed now that his life story has been unearthed by Chris Harley, the secretary of the March branch of the Royal British Legion.

Following three months of careful research, the amateur historian has convinced both the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) and the Ministry of Defence to give the young soldier the honour he deserves.

Father-of-two Chris (45), who served with the Royal Corps of Signals for 11 years, said: "Harry Thimbleby was one of the names on the March war memorial that I couldn't match up with the CWGC's records.

"I firmly believe that no serviceman should be forgotten by his country, and that was what drove me to make sure he could be properly recognised.

"It was a case of proving that he had died from the injuries he had suffered during the war. I tracked down his service record on the internet and discovered his death came after he had been discharged from the army on medical grounds.

"I ended up having to send off for his death certificate, and it confirmed he had died of his wounds."

Chris, a clerical worker for Network Rail from Queens Street, March, has dedicated his spare time over the past three years to investigating cases like Harry Thimbleby's.

This will be the 10th time he has secured an official war grave for a soldier killed in the line of duty, but the first time he has identified one from his own home town.

"I've had successes all over the country, but it is absolutely brilliant that this is a local lad," Chris added: "I was really pleased when his case was approved."

It is likely to be at least a year before the soldier's headstone is put in place at Station Road cemetery, with the Royal British Legion and the Royal Anglian Regiment expected to take part in the dedication ceremony.

Poppy appeal organiser for the March Royal British Legion Terry Hunt praised the hard work of his colleague for bringing a deserved success.

He said: "It is not unusual to find soldiers in unmarked graves, but it is very unusual to get them recognised by both the CWGC and the Ministry of Defence.

"What Chris has achieved is really quite something."

External links:
Commonwealth War Graves Commission - www.cwgc.org.

The Royal British Legion - www.britishlegion.org.uk.