AN unknown Dorset soldier of the First World War has been re-interred at a war grave site.

In 2014, two sets of remains were uncovered near the town of Albert in France. Buried with them were military insignia of the Dorsetshire Regiment and the Bedfordshire Regiment.

Examination of war records and data undertaken by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre revealed that the Dorset soldier belonged to the 6th Battalion and his death occurred between March 29-31, 1918.

Only seven members of the battalion were killed between these dates and have no known grave.

However, although DNA samples taken from the remains were compared with a number of possible descendants traced by the centre, the results were inconclusive.

The timescale for the death of the Bedfordshire soldier was narrowed down to March to July, 1918. During this period of conflict, 42 members of the Bedfordshire Regiment were killed and have no known grave.

Centre representative Louise Dorr said: "I’m saddened that despite our best efforts we have been unable to identify these two brave soldiers and give them back their names.

"However, I am incredibly proud that we are here today to see them finally laid to rest with honour in front of their military family."

On Thursday a dignified burial service took place at Bouzincourt Ridge Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery, near Albert.

Both men were buried as ‘A Soldier of the Great War – Known Unto God’.

The service was conducted by the Reverend Iorwerth Price, Chaplain to 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment.

Mr Price said: "As ever it is essential that we remember those who have fallen in conflict as it is in this way that we can join our service with theirs in the search for future peace."

A spokesperson at the war graves commission said: "We are delighted that the sacrifice of these two soldiers from the Dorsetshire Regiment and Bedfordshire Regiment respectively have been recognised by today’s event and that they will now be cared for in perpetuity by the commission."