A 96-YEAR-OLD man whose uncle was killed shortly after the outbreak of the First World War has paid tribute to villagers in Belgium who tend his grave.

Bombardier Lawrence Wood, from Woodhouse in Keighley, served with the 70th Battery Royal Field Artillery at the Battle of Mons – the first major battle of the Great War.

He was killed in action on August 23, 1914.

Bombardier Wood, who was 23, was married and had a fortnight-old baby daughter – Lilly – whom he never saw.

His body was 'rescued' by residents in Givry, and interred in the village cemetery.

Alongside his grave is that of a fallen comrade, whose stone is simply dedicated to 'A Soldier of the Great War'.

Lawrence's nephew, Jack Wood, said: "I am very grateful to the people of Givry who tended to the needs of those two brave men and who still maintain the graves today.

"Some years ago I took my uncle's brother, George, to visit the grave.

"We took along some soil from Keighley parish churchyard together with bulbs, which we planted on the grave. And in return, soil was taken from Givry and spread on his mother's grave in Oakworth Cemetery."

Jack, who served with the RAF during the Second World War, says it is important to remember those who laid down their lives during the world wars and other conflicts.

"We must never forget the sacrifices made during those two wars – and indeed later wars – where brave men and women have fought to keep us safe and preserve our freedom," he said.

"That freedom is something that is precious and should never be taken for granted.

"So many, too many, images and names still come to mind.

"We shall remember them."