The burial of an unknown soldier of World War 2 took place on 20 November 2025, in Arezzo, Italy, with a bearer party from the Gurkha Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (GARRC), Support Battalion, carrying him to his final resting place.
The casualty was recently found in a shallow trench within a forest in Alpe di Catenaia near the town of Subbiano, in Italy.
War diary research by The Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’, 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 which included Ghurka units.
Tracey Bowers, MOD War Detective, said: “It has been a privilege to work with the GARRC Support Battalion from Imjin Barracks, and to highlight the contribution of the Gurkhas in Italy during World War 2, 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.”
Following the capture of Sicily in late summer 1943 the Allies slowly moved up the leg of Italy with the aim of breaking 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 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. They suffered high casualties but also demonstrated extreme acts of bravery, which earned them two Victoria Crosses.
Captain Tej Bahadur Gurung (The 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 confirm the ethnicity of the soldier but due to the condition of the remains and lack of suitable bones a full, detailed profile was unlikely.
The service was conducted by The Reverend (Captain) Timothy Watts who 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.”
Photographs by Sergeant Sam Terry, HQ ARRC Public Affairs Office, Crown Copyright
