THE cremated remains of a First World War hero who died in Spain have been placed in a garden at Bury’s Fusilier Museum.

And the touching act means that ex-Lancashire Fusilier and Military Cross holder Sir Gilbert Mackereth has created his own little piece of history.

He becomes the first British World War One soldier to be exhumed from his grave on the continent and repatriated to England since the burial of the Unknown Soldier in Westminster Abbey in 1920. The poignant ceremony at the Gallipoli Garden, at the Moss Street museum, was carried out by Terry Dean, a member of the Western Front Association (WFA) Lancashire North branch.

Last year, the Bury Times reported that the former soldier’s body was to be exhumed from his resting place in San Sebastian because of unpaid grave taxes.

Sir Gilbert, a lieutenant colonel, won the Military Cross in 1917 and commanded the 17th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers. After a distinguished military career, he joined the diplomatic service and was knighted in 1953. He died in San Sebastian in 1962 and Lady Mackereth died in 1979. The couple had no children.

Mr Dean visited Sir Gilbert’s grave in 2009 before being told the authorities wanted 330 Euros to meet unpaid grave taxes.

Mr Dean said: “After consideration of the possible options, it seemed to me that the most reverent solution was for Sir Gilbert to be exhumed and cremated by the San Sebastian Council and his remains placed in the Gallipoli Garden.”

He later spoke to Sir Gilbert’s first cousin, Bolton-born John Sloan, who lives in Solihull. He endorsed the repatriation plans.

Added Mr Dean: “It was agreed that funding of the 596 Euros cost of the exhumation and cremation would be shared by John Sloan, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and WFA branches in Lancashire.

“With the construction work nearing completion for the refurbished Gallipoli Garden, I completed my mission to repatriate Sir Gilbert by placing his remains in their allocated location near the Fusilier Memorial.”

A remembrance stone is scheduled to be placed over the remains later this month. Lt Col Mike Glover, regimental secretary Lancashire for the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, said: “For us, this was a Fusilier coming home.”