A young Belgian man, who sought refuge in Britain with his family after war had broken out in their country, is remembered in Herefordshire on the centenary of his death in the final weeks of the Great War.

For many years, the names of the six fallen from Tarrington have been read out on Remembrance Day, and since 2014 bell ringers have marked the 100th anniversary of each man’s death during the war by ringing a quarter peal.

Until recently, the name of Soldatt Alois Guldentops remained a mystery, but recent research at the same time as a speculative enquiry from the soldier’s family in Belgium has since led to his story coming to light.

Soldatt Alois Guldentops and his family were among a group of refugees who came to live in Ledbury and some surrounding villages. Alois, who was 17, arrived at Tarrington with his mother, stepfather and siblings where they were well received, and a house found for them at Tan House Farm. The younger children started school in Tarrington, while their stepfather, Frangois Verheyen found a job on the Stoke Edith estate.

Sadly, the situation for the family was to change in June 1916. The village constable came bearing news that Alois was of an age to join the Belgian army and he went off to join the war. Two years later he came home to Tarrington on leave, telling his family that a big battle was coming in an area near Flanders. Alois feared for his future, and when he returned to the fighting, he left his watch at home.

On October 3, the centenary of his death in 1918, Tarrington’s bells sounded in memory of Alois, who was never to experience the peace and calm of Tarrington again. His body was never recovered and there is no grave.

In March 1919 the family returned home to Belgium, their boat moving slowly because of mines. When they arrived near the River Schelde, they wept at the sight of Antwerp Cathedral.

In this special commemorative year, the young soldier’s family has been in touch with Tarrington’s history group, moved to know that his name is among the war dead on the village’s war memorial. Plans are now being made in Tarrington to send the family a video of the quarter peal being rung for Alois, and footage of the village where he and his family had found sanctuary.

A member of the history group, John Watkins said: “We are pleased that Alois' story can now be told again. It reminds our generation of the horrors of that war and of the importance of communities being ready to offer sanctuary to others.

“If anyone can add to our knowledge of those whose names are on the memorial, or anyone who has information about the unveiling of the memorial, we would be delighted to hear from them.”