Discovering the True Story of a World War I Hero Great-Uncle Through MyHeritage Military Records

Graham Young, a 74-year-old MyHeritage user from New South Wales, Australia, has dedicated over a decade to uncovering the stories within his family tree, which now includes over 2,500 individuals. His journey took a profound turn when he delved into the story of his great-uncle, William Cecil Young, a World War I soldier whose name held a legacy that spanned generations.

The truth about Gallipoli

Graham’s father, William Cecil Young, was named after his own uncle, who was believed to have died in Gallipoli. Curious to know more about his namesake, Graham’s father asked if Graham could look up his uncle’s story.

“I was going through MyHeritage regarding my mother’s relatives when my father asked if I could look up his uncle who he thought died at Gallipoli,” recalls Graham. “He wanted to know more about his namesake.”

Using the vast resources of MyHeritage, Graham discovered more than he anticipated. His great-uncle William Cecil Young was indeed deployed to Gallipoli in 1915. However, Graham’s research revealed a surprising twist: William didn’t die there. Instead, he was redeployed to France, where his life ultimately ended during one of the war’s fiercest battles.

The Gallipoli campaign holds a special place in Australian history. In April 1915, thousands of young men from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula, tasked with securing a route to the Dardanelles as part of a larger Allied plan. For many Australians, Gallipoli became a symbol of national identity and bravery, as these soldiers faced overwhelming challenges, rugged terrain, and fierce Ottoman resistance. The campaign became one of the bloodiest and most defining moments for the ANZACs, shaping a legacy of courage and sacrifice that is still commemorated each year on ANZAC and Remembrance Days.

“I found out that he did go to Gallipoli, but he didn’t lose his life there. He died in France,” says Graham. “Both the Australian Roll of Honour and Military Lists and Awards clearly recorded that he died on August 5, 1916, in France. Even Australian newspapers of the time published tributes.”

‘In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.’ The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, July 31 1924. Source: OldNews.com

This discovery unraveled a story previously unknown to the family. Through his MyHeritage research, Graham learned that his great-uncle had enlisted on July 5, 1915, and arrived on the Gallipoli Peninsula that November. Like many in his family, he had always believed that William had fallen there, but the records revealed otherwise. William was redeployed to France in early 1916, arriving in Marseilles, and eventually found himself in the Battle of Pozières, where he was wounded.

Honoring the sacrifice at Pozières

For Australians, the Battle of Pozières was another brutal chapter in World War I, and one that profoundly affected the country. The village of Pozières, located on the Western Front, became the site of relentless fighting in mid-1916. Australian forces were brought in to support the British assault, facing devastating artillery bombardments and close-quarters combat. It was here that Australian soldiers endured some of the heaviest losses of the war, with more than 23,000 casualties, many of whom never returned home. This battle became a symbol of both the immense sacrifice and resilience of Australian soldiers as they confronted unimaginable horrors.

Tragically, William Cecil Young succumbed to his wounds on August 5, 1916, in France. For Graham’s father, this newfound knowledge was deeply moving. Graham promised him that should he ever get the chance to go to France, he would visit his uncle’s grave. The promise to honor William’s memory lived on. 

Graham Young standing behind his great-uncle’s grave with a laminated photo of his father.

A visit to Puchevillers British Cemetery

Though his father had passed away 3 years before his journey to France, in 2018, Graham visited Puchevillers to pay tribute to his great-uncle.

The Puchevillers British Cemetery, located in northern France, is a solemn place where many Australian soldiers rest after sacrificing their lives on the Western Front. Established during the Battle of the Somme, this cemetery holds the remains of soldiers who died in nearby field hospitals, including many Australians who fought valiantly in battles like Pozières. For Australians, visiting this cemetery is a powerful and emotional experience, as it connects them to the bravery and sacrifice of those who traveled across the world to fight for freedom. For Graham, standing at William’s grave in this hallowed ground was a profoundly moving moment, steeped in both sorrow and pride.

“On the day of my visit, it was overcast and drizzling. There were gunshots echoing in the hills beyond the cemetery from a rabbit hunt nearby — it was an experience I’ll never forget. As I promised to my father, I placed a photo of him in his WWII uniform at the headstone and paid my respects,” Graham reflects.

William Cecil Young Jr’s WWII photo placed on William Cecil Young Sr’s WWI gravesite.

To Graham, discovering the truth about William’s final days brought a sense of closure. “MyHeritage gave me the tools to uncover the truth about his fate. I felt I had fulfilled a promise to my father.”

William’s memory also lives on in the Australian newspapers that Graham found through Record Matches, where, after the war, Graham’s parents had posted “In Memoriam” tributes for years, honoring his sacrifice. These posts reminded Graham that the Young family had never forgotten William — and now, thanks to his research, they would continue to remember him with even greater clarity. 

‘Your memory, dear William, will never die’. The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, August 2 1928. Source: OldNews.com

‘We will always remember our darling Bill.’ The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, August 7 1930. Source: OldNews.com

‘Memory will keep him ever near…’, The Gordord Times, August 11 1932. Source: OldNews.com

Through this journey, Graham has strengthened his family’s bond to their past, honoring the sacrifices of previous generations. His story is a reminder of the enduring power of family, memory, and the importance of uncovering our roots.

Many thanks to Graham for sharing this moving story with us and for keeping the memory of his great-uncle alive. 

If you’ve also made an incredible discovery on MyHeritage, we’d love to hear about it. Please share it with us via this form or email us at stories@myheritage.com.