Grave of Pte René Toubac restored to its former glory

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Pte René Toubac – 22 years old – was killed on 27 May 1940 during the 18 Days’ Campaign in Houtem, fatally struck by a bullet. He is buried there.

A few years ago, the War Heritage Institute’s War Graves Service found that his gravestone had fallen into serious disrepair. Even the inscriptions were barely legible.

Following a study and action plan by the CWGC (Commonwealth War Graves Commission), and with their assistance, a thorough restoration was soon carried out. In just a few weeks, the gravestone was restored to its former glory: the stone was cleaned, the cross repaired, a new base made and installed, the inscriptions re-engraved and, finally, the cross securely and permanently reinstalled.

In this way, the War Graves Service helps preserve our military funerary heritage, in honour of all those who fell for our freedom.