WW2 Hero laid to rest by Gurkha honour guard in Italy

The bearer party lay the unknown soldier at his final resting place.

The poignant burial of an unknown soldier of World War 2 took place on Thuesday 20 November in CWGC Arezzo War Cemetery, Italy, with a bearer party from the Gurkhas carrying him to his final resting place.

The casualty was found in a shallow trench within a forest in Alpe di Catenaia near the town of Subbiano, Italy.

The bearer party slow march through Arezzo War Cemetery.

Research by The Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), with help from The National Army Museum, found the soldier was most probably involved in action at the beginning of August 1944, and was a soldier serving with 20th Brigade of the 10th Indian Infantry Division.

Tracey Bowers, MOD (JCCC), said: “It has been a privilege to work with the Gurkha Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Support Battalion from Imjin Barracks where we are also based and to highlight the contribution of the Gurkhas in Italy during WW2, something often overlooked. Although it was impossible to name this casualty, we are pleased he has been given a full military burial, laid to rest and honoured.”

Cpl Gurung secures the wreath to the coffin of the unknown soldier prior to the burial. 

Following the capture of Sicily in late summer 1943, the Allies slowly moved up the leg of Italy with an objective to penetrate the Gothic Line – the Germans’ last major line of defence that stretched across the Northern Summits of the Apennine Mountains. By the summer of 1944, the Gustav line, which included the formidable Monte Cassino, had fallen and the Allies were advancing, but they had to capture the mountainous regions that barred the way, including the area where the casualty was found.

The bearer party carrying the unknown soldier.

The Gurkhas were involved in every major offensive and played a significant role in Italy. It was recognised their elite infantry soldiers could fight in mountainous, difficult terrain that was easy to defend but very difficult to attack, which was essential to progress up through Italy. They suffered a high number of casualties but also demonstrated extreme acts of bravery, which earnt them two Victoria Crosses.

Captain Tej Bahadur Gurung, Royal Gurkha Rifles, said:
“I am honoured to be part of the military at the burial of this unknown soldier who fell during World War 2. His sacrifice echoes through history, and we proudly uphold his legacy of courage and loyalty that defines the Gurkha spirit.”

JCCC considered taking DNA from the casualty to try to establish the ethnicity of the soldier but due to the condition of the remains and lack of suitable bones, it was concluded that obtaining a full, detailed profile to confirm this was unlikely.

The Reverend (Captain) Timothy Watts, who conducted the service, said:
“Time passes, but the importance of remembering fallen soldiers grows more important. We honour one unknown soldier today. At the same time, we remember the many from all round the world who served and sacrificed. They gave their tomorrows for our today.”

Claudia Scimonelli, the CWGC’s Country Manager in Italy, said:
"It's not often a Commonwealth casualty is reburied at one of our cemeteries in Italy, so it is especially moving to see this soldier laid to rest with full military honours today. It has been an honour to represent the Commission and lay a wreath on its behalf. Although his identity remains unknown, we will care for his grave at Arezzo War Cemetery - alongside those of his comrades - in perpetuity."

All photographs by Sgt Sam Terry, HQ ARRC Public Affairs Office, Crown Copyright.