Partial remains of Australian soldiers laid to rest more than a century after WWI

William Alexander Pavey was just 21 years old when he left his life as a laborer in Brisbane to join the fight on the Western Front.

Private Pavey survived nearly three years of war in France before dying of gunshot wounds in May 1918.

“He fought until his death, just before the end of the war,” Crimp told 9News.

“You know, it’s a long time to be in the trenches in France.”

The brave young ANZAC was among those whose partial remains were recently returned to his grave.

They have been kept in the US for medical research for more than a century.

“I felt pretty uncomfortable with it at first,” Crimp said.

“I’m still trying to come to terms with what they may have done. As far as I can tell, the remains have been removed from the hospital.”

The medical examination they underwent would have helped soldiers who came after them, Brenton Philp of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs told 9News.

“It would absolutely have helped with survival and treatment of military wounds and war wounds for others who followed,” he said.

“It seems strange by our standards, but it was common after World War I.”

The remains of seven other Australian soldiers were also returned.

“We understand that the remains were treated with great respect and dignity,” Philp said.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission completed burial works at the grave of Private Pavey and others at Mont Huon Military Cemetery ahead of Anzac Day commemorations, as people traveled to France to pay their respects.

“We are very proud that the Australian Army was able to attend as part of the reburial ceremony to ensure our soldiers are well respected,” Philp said.

And the news is reassuring for Crimp.

“He wasn’t forgotten then and hopefully he won’t be forgotten now,” she said.

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