Our Yorkshire Farm's Reuben Owen holds back tears as he learns of family tragedy

Reuben Owen was visibly moved as he delved into his family history on his first trip to France - and learned about a tragedy that hit his family. The young farmer learned about his great-uncle who perished in the war, a relative he never had the chance to meet, on the latest episode of his Channel 5 series Life in the Dales.

Accompanied by Sarah and Tommy, Reuben visited the memorial site where his ancestor was laid to rest to honour his memory. The journey also took them through the historic terrain of the Battle of the Somme.

While driving, Reuben reflected on the sheer scale of the conflict, remarking: "It is pretty mad to think they were fighting along here. There were two million shells fired on the first day of the Somme. I don't think I'll ever realise how mad it was, 60,000 people died on the first day."

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Upon reaching the military cemetery, the group met historian Simon, who shared insights about Reuben's great-uncle. Simon informed them that although not all soldiers' remains were buried at the site, there were graves to commemorate their lives.

Reuben, 19, told viewers: "My great-uncle, Oliver-James died in the battle of Courcelette." Simon then noted the proximity to the location of the battle.

He highlighted a section of the cemetery dedicated to Yorkshire soldiers, mentioning one who was only 19 years old, reports the Express. Reflecting on the similarity in their ages, Reuben said, "My age, isn't it? " before he proceeded to pay tribute at his great-uncle's grave.

In a poignant moment, as Reuben stood by the headstone, Simon revealed that his great-uncle's remains were indeed interred there, and it was not merely a commemorative grave.

"Wow," Reuben said emotionally. "And to think it is not far from here where he was fighting and died. Dad said he had to come to kind of experience it and that is exactly right."

Simon then surprised Reuben with some fascinating details about Oliver-James. "We have learned that he was quite a brave soldier," he revealed. "We know that in 1915, he was mentioned in dispatches, which is a lower grade of recognition for his gallantry in action.

"But then before he died, he was awarded a military medal for bravery in the field."

Reflecting with emotion, Reuben said: "Three (out of the four brothers) because one wasn't old enough to go and you get split up fairly early on from his brothers and that will be that, he never came back and he didn't see much of life if you think about it."