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WW1 soldier remembered in special service in Braunton

BBC Close up of the serviceBBC
A rededication service to honour George Aubrey Manaton was held on Thursday afternoon

A special service has been held to honour a World War One soldier and war correspondent.

The service to honour George Aubrey Manaton, who died age 25, was held at Braunton Methodist Chapelyard cemetery.

Ahead of the service, the headstone on Mr Manaton's grave was replaced by The Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Peter Clarke, a volunteer with the commission, said there were no known surviving family members or photographs of the soldier.

Close up of George Aubrey Manaton's headstone
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission arranged for a new headstone

Mr Manaton was a war correspondent for The Times before he embarked on army officer training.

Mr Clarke said Mr Manaton contracted "consumption" - or Tuberculosis - after joining The Inns of Court Officer Training Corps.

"He came back to Braunton and continued to work as a journalist in the style of a war correspondent until he sadly passed away in 1918," Mr Clarke said.

Close up of Peter Clarke
Peter Clarke said Mr Manaton gave his life to the "country" and "community"

Mr Clarke said the soldier and war correspondent gave his life to both the "country" and "community".

"That is one of the most important things we should remember.

"This is a community and he was part of it and gave his life willingly."

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