A touching service has been held by the grave of a 14-year-old boy who lied about his age to fight in the First World War.

Alec Grigg used his height and build to trick authorities into believing he was 19 so he could fight overseas.

Private Grigg joined The Buffs, East Kent Regiment, but never saw action. He died on October 26, 1915, after succumbing to what is believed to have been tetanus after cutting his finger while helping a friend put on his shoulder badge.

His birth date was never revealed to the Army - or inscribed on his headstone.

But following lengthy research by the Historical Research Group of Sittingbourne (HRGS), his real age came to light. On Tuesday, a new headstone was laid by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) at Canterbury City Cemetery.

HRGS chairman Richard Emmett said: “It is a sad story. Alec was born in 1901 in Milton Regis. He was a fit lad and very muscular because he was a swimmer.

“He was obviously determined to join up at the outbreak of the war. He came to Canterbury, and although he was only 14 he looked 19 and so he was accepted.

“He was here training for a few months, but sadly while trying to put a piece of army uniform together for a friend he cut himself, contracted tetanus.”

Private Grigg was taken to the military hospital and then moved to the Canterbury Sanatorium, but sadly died and was laid to rest at Canterbury Cemetery.

“I think it’s crucial we should remember his age, and that this young lad felt strongly enough that he wanted to fight for his country,” said Mr Emmett.

“Fundamentally, wars are not good. We should remember that there is a price to pay - of the death of our soldiers.”

Alec is the youngest-known soldier buried at Canterbury Cemetery to have died in the war, although the CWGC says it has encountered cases of other 14-year-olds who lost their lives.

The HRGS has been unable to trace any members of Private Grigg’s family, but urges anyone with information about his descendants to get in touch at hrgs.co.uk.