He was killed fighting in France over 100 years ago - but his funeral only took place this week

A Bolton footballer killed fighting in the First World War has finally been buried with full military honours - 110 years after his death.

Second Lieutenant James Arthur Greenhalgh, who played for Bolton Wanderers, was shot while defending trenches in the village of Violaines in Northern France.

The 25-year-old sportsman, who worked as a teacher after graduating Manchester University, had been reportedly buried by his comrades after the dawn German raid on October 22, 1914.

But after the conflict ended, no trace of his remains were found, and he was officially listed as ‘missing’.

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Four years ago in 2020, the bodies of three soldiers were found on the outskirts of the village during the construction of a new housing estate. Following DNA testing, research determined that one of the men was in fact James.

On Wednesday (May 22) James was finally buried at Windy Corner in The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Guards Cemetery, in Cuinchy, France.

Joanna Potts, one of James’s great nieces, said she was “so grateful” that the brave serviceman had been given a proper military send-off.

She said: “Hearing my Great Uncle had finally been found after all this time, has been an unexpected and surprisingly emotional time.

“We are so grateful that he will now be laid to rest and commemorated for the sacrifice he gave for us all.”

During the service James’s coffin was carried through the cemetery by serving soldiers of First Battalion The Mercian Regiment.

The service was conducted by the Rev Gary Birch CF, Chaplain to 19 Regiment Royal Artillery.

Rosie Barron, from the Ministry of Defence, said she was ‘honoured’ to have helped give