THE family of a Colchester soldier who died in battle are thrilled after a long-lost photo of him was found - in Scotland.

Keith Jackson, who lives in Helensburgh, found a photo of George Henry Flatt, a soldier who died aged 21 in 1918, whilst he was looking through his dad’s possessions.

The Gazette published an appeal to find the owner of the photograph and Sharon Mooney, from Colchester, said the brave soldier was her husband Chris’ great uncle.

Mr Jackson kindly sent the family the memorial card which they have gratefully received.

Mrs Mooney said: “To say we are gobsmacked is an understatement as we recently talked about George and we were discussing marking the 100th anniversary of his death next year.

“We found it sad that we didn’t have a picture of him and then this happened.

“We are over the moon, other family members have come forward who want copies and George is remembered for the hero that he was.”

George Flatt’s family lived in Hythe Hill. He served with the 10th Battalion Essex Regiment and died in France.

He is buried in Becourt Military Cemetery near Somme.

Mrs Mooney, who is an avid historian and has just qualified as a tour guide in Colchester, said: “It’s truly amazing and I feel blessed.

“We had talked about going over to his grave site or at least laying a poppy wreath at our memorial and then having dinner and raising a glass to him.

“Ideally we will be heading over to France for the 100th anniversary.”

She has contacted the Essex Regiment Museum to see if they any details on the days surrounding Mr Flatt’s death.

She is hoping to find out what battle he died in.

The memorial card will be framed and will stand alongside a poppy the family has from the Tower of London art display. It has even reunited them with their extended family.

Mrs Mooney said: “This has also put us in touch with members of the family we hadn’t been in touch with before.

“One man came forward who is not a relation and yet was interested because he is researching for a book on Colchester soldiers.”