A ROSS couple travelled to France to pay tribute to a Forester killed in the First World War with an apology for not finding his grave sooner.

George Frowen, who was killed in action on February 3 1915, is the great uncle of Mike Johnson, who is originally from Coleford.

Mr Johnson and his wife Angela visited war cemeteries in France and Belguim last year but at that time had been unable to locate the grave of the Milkwall-born soldier.

The couple eventually found the last resting place of 24-year-old George using records on the internet with the help of Geoff Blake and Maurice Oliver.

George, who served with the 1st battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment, was killed in one of a series skirmishes in January and February 1915 known as the Affairs of Cuinchy.

He is buried in the Guards' Cemetery at Windy Corner, Cuinchy which is about 20 miles of the city of Lille in northern France. The message on the poppy reads: 'Uncle George. Sorry it took so long to find you. Your country and your family are so proud of you. God bless.'

Mr Johnson, who is originally from Coleford, said: "George Frowen is my great uncle and is the brother of my grandmother Lilly Johnson.

"As far as I'm aware I'm the first family member to visit George's grave in almost 100 years.

"To see these vast cemeteries is quite an eye-opener and makes you feel very humble and grateful to these brave men.

"I placed a small cross on George – we are very proud of George and, in fact, of all of our boys who gave their lives for Britain."