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WWI serviceman's belated memorial

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To mark the erection of a headstone for a Jewish serviceman who saw action in Europe 100 years ago, a ceremony was held at the United Synagogue's Plashet cemetery in East Ham.

Private Solomon Bird served with the 29th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers in the First World War. He died in the UK from a burst appendix in June 1917, aged 19.

A headstone was put up last year after the identification of his grave by Jewish military researcher Stan Kaye.

Mr Kaye was among those at the recent ceremony, along with descendants of the soldier, two of whom travelled from America. The family had previously been unaware of his existence.

US head of burial Melvyn Hartog said: "It was such a touching ceremony for a truly remarkable story. We are delighted that we have been able to bring a family together and finally honour a soldier who fought for this country."

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