Unknown First World War British and German soldiers laid to rest in Belgium and France

Photo: Eric Compernolle

The remains of an unknown British and an unknown German soldier have been laid to rest together near Ypres on the Western Front, while another unknown British soldier was laid to rest in France earlier in the week.

Both burial services were organised by the MOD's Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), with the British and German soldier's service taking place at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission's Poelcapelle British Cemetery in Belgium on 16 October 2025.

The service at Poelcapelle was supported by the German Volksbund and serving soldiers from The Royal Regiment of Artillery and The King’s Troop Royal Regiment of Artillery. Also present were the British and German Defence Attachés to Belgium. The service was conducted by the Reverend Mark Nightingale CF, Chaplain to 9 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps and in the build up to Remembrance commemorations, reflected on the reconciliation between the 2 nations since the Second World War.

The Rev Mark Nightingale said:
“The two men were found together in what appeared to have been a shell hole during the renovation of a cycle path near Ypres in Belgium. During the First World War the location had been astride the Ypres-Straden railway line. No artefacts were found with the remains which could assist in their identification although it was evident that one man was British and the other German. The location where the remains were found was fought over during the Third Battle of Ypres, better known as the Battle of Paschendaele, in October 1917. Owing the high number of casualties still missing in this location, neither man could be identified.”

Photo: Eric Compernolle

The two men were found together in what appeared to have been a shell hole during the renovation of a cycle path near Ypres in Belgium. During the First World War the location had been astride the Ypres-Straden railway line. No artefacts were found with the remains which could assist in their identification although it was evident that one man was British and the other German. The location where the remains were found was fought over during the Third Battle of Ypres, better known as the Battle of Paschendaele, in October 1917. Owing the high number of casualties still missing in this location, neither man could be identified.

Rosie Barron, JCCC Caseworker said:
“This was a very poignant ceremony reflecting on the importance of reconciliation and the search for peace between nations. We do not know who these men were or what their beliefs or opinions on the war were. However, both men died for their country and would have suffered the same hardships on the Western Front. May they now rest in peace together.”

The King’s Troop Royal Regiment of Artillery bearing the coffin at the Vendresse ceremony. Photo: Michiel Vanmarcke

Additionally on 15 October 2025, a burial took place at CWGC Vendresse British Cemetery in the Aisne region of France of an unknown British soldier most likely killed during the First Battle of the Aisne in 1914. Again, no artefacts were found with the remains which would indicate which regiment he belonged to.

The graves of all three men will now be cared for in perpetuity by CWGC.

CWGC Director of C&SEA, Xavier Puppinck said:
"We are honoured to commemorate these three brave soldiers from the First World War at our cemeteries in France and Belgium. It has been a privilege to recover and work closely with the MOD in trying to identify who they were. It is rare - and very emotional actually - to have both British and German soldiers buried together, highlighting the shared sacrifice of all those who fought and died. Though these men couldn't be identified by name, we will care for their graves in perpetuity."