Church Court Denies Widow’s Request to Rebury War Hero Husband

A church court has denied the request of Evelyne Le Chêne to rebury her husband, Lieutenant Pierre Louis Le Chêne, in Jaillans, France. The couple had a deep bond, and Mrs. Le Chêne wishes to honor a promise made to her husband before his death. Lieutenant Le Chêne, a decorated war hero, was interred in Gravesend and Milton Cemetery after passing away in 1979.

Lieutenant Le Chêne was born in England to French parents and served valiantly during the Second World War. He endured significant hardships, including torture at the notorious Mauthausen concentration camp, where he was held following his capture in 1942. His remarkable service earned him several accolades, including the esteemed Légion d’honneur, signed by General Charles de Gaulle.

Mrs. Le Chêne’s wish to relocate her husband’s remains stems from her desire to reunite him with family in France, approximately 510 miles away from their previous home. She stated that this move is “much, much desired,” emphasizing her commitment to fulfilling her late husband’s wishes.

In her petition, Mrs. Le Chêne noted that French organizations are prepared to honor Lieutenant Le Chêne with a formal reception upon his transfer to France. The burial authority in Gravesham indicated it would assist with the exhumation, contingent on obtaining the necessary church permissions.

Unfortunately for Mrs. Le Chêne, the Consistory Court of the diocese of Rochester has rejected her petitions on two occasions, first in April and again in July. In the most recent decision, Diocesan Chancellor David Willink, an expert in canon law, stated that permitting the exhumation would undermine the principle of permanence governing burial practices. He emphasized that the circumstances surrounding Lieutenant Le Chêne’s distinguished military service did not warrant the exhumation.

While the court’s ruling prevents Mrs. Le Chêne from relocating her husband’s remains, it does not prohibit her from being interred alongside him in Kent should she choose to do so. This ongoing situation highlights the complexity of exhumation laws and the significant emotional weight carried by families seeking to honor their loved ones after death.

Lieutenant Pierre Louis Le Chêne’s remarkable life and service continue to resonate, as his widow strives to keep his memory alive in a meaningful way.