The Missing of the Somme In 1925, newspapers reported the discovery of a mass grave near Mouquet Farm containing the ‘clothed skeletons’ of 18 ANZAC soldiers. Eva Short breathlessly read the account. Her son, Stanley, had disappeared in the attack. She immediately wrote to Base Records: ‘I am more than anxious to receive any news of my late son.’ Eva was not only missing a son, but also two grandchildren. Eva had previously lost touch with Stanley’s wife, Kathleen and her children. In 1924 Eva had written to Base Records, asking them to trace the ‘children of my son.’ Base Records replied that Jacky and Doris had been placed in an orphanage, and that Kathleen’s whereabouts was unknown. ‘I’m sorry to say that I cannot give you her address as she has only been to see the lad once since he has been there.’ We can only speculate why Kathleen felt compelled to surrender her children. Kathleen had undoubtedly lived an uncertain life since Stanley had disappeared....