Category: Press Releases

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 17 October 2025.

The remains of an unknown British and an unknown German soldier have been laid to rest together near Ypres on the Western Front.

The burial service, organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), took place at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Poelcapelle British Cemetery in Belgium.

The service was supported by 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: 

It is a privilege to participate in this burial. As we lay to rest two unknown soldiers, one British and one German, we begin to glimpse the peace and reconciliation that God offers us. By honouring their sacrifice in this service, we ultimately realise that in God’s eyes, there are no enemies, only people who are known to him by name. As I reflect, I see that this burial serves as a reminder that our highest calling is not victory in conflict, but harmony in love. We are encouraged to live as individuals who seek peace and speak truth, whilst honouring the commitment of those who have gone before us in this goal, like these two brave soldiers that we have honoured today.

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.

Earlier this week (15 October 25) a burial took place at 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 3 men will now be cared for in perpetuity by CWGC. 

Director for the Central and Southern Europe Area of the CWGC, 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 JCCC 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.

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 17 October 2025.

Veterans can now apply for and download a secure digital version of the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card via the GOV.UK One Login app.

• Veterans can now apply for and download a digital version of the Veteran Card on their smartphone.
• From registering with GPs to housing support and discounted entry to museums, the card will ensure veterans can access services quickly and easily online.
• Part of the blueprint for modern digital government, as government makes public services simpler and more accessible so they work around people’s lives as part of the Plan for Change.

Nearly 2 million veterans can now get and benefit from a digital version of the Veteran Card, which will make it easier and quicker to access key services and discounts via their smartphones.

From today, Friday 17 October, it will give veterans a seamless way to confirm their status in person and will include information already featured on their physical card – displaying their name, photo, latest service, and date of birth with the security features that protect their personal information.

By downloading the optional card on their smartphones, former Service Personnel can show their veteran status to access everything from housing and mental health support to reduced entry at museums and money off their shopping – all at the touch of a button. The move forms part of government plans to deliver national renewal by transforming public services so they work around people’s lives and not the other way round.

Once application is approved, downloading the card takes minutes – far quicker than waiting for a physical card to arrive by post. Just like a digital bank card or rail card, it puts convenient proof of service directly in veterans’ pockets, highlighting which service of the Armed Forces they last served in to unlock service-specific support and ending the need to carry a physical copy whilst maintaining the highest security standards.

Veterans can download it via the GOV.UK One Login app, which, like banking apps, uses passcodes, Face ID, or Touch ID, providing the security veterans deserve whilst creating new opportunities to access services more conveniently. Once set up, veterans simply open the app and show their digital card.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, said:

Our veterans have given everything by serving for their country and it is only right that we give them all the support they need.

As we deliver national renewal we are modernising our public services so they work around people’s lives and keep pace with the digital world we live in.

The digital Veterans Card will help remove barriers, reduce red-tape and make it easier for people to access the public services they need.

Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones said:

Our veterans have given so much in service to our country, and we must ensure they can easily access the support and recognition they are entitled to and deserve.  

This digital Veteran Card removes barriers and puts convenience back in their hands – whether they’re registering with a new GP, seeking housing support, or simply getting a discount at their local museum.  

With 1.8 million veterans across the UK now able to benefit from this innovation, we’re making good on our commitment to modernise services for our veteran community.

Veterans will be able to use the digital card to:

• Register their service background with their GP to access the healthcare opportunities they deserve with security and respect. This can give them access to services in England such as Op RESTORE for physical health support and Op COURAGE for mental health and wellbeing.
• Confirm their military background to access supported housing through Op FORTITUDE, the government’s secure referral system and support service for ex-Service Personnel who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
• Get support into high value careers with Op ASCEND – a free government-backed service linking them up with career advisors and veteran-friendly employers.
• Access discounts and services offered by participating businesses with the security and convenience they deserve – in time for Remembrance Sunday.

The digital card is optional and will initially be available for in-person use, with functionality set to expand over the coming months to enable online use, further increasing convenience whilst maintaining security and creating new opportunities for veterans to access services.

Angela Kitching, Director of Campaigns, Policy and Research at the Royal British Legion, said:

We welcome the introduction of the digital HM Armed Forces Veteran Card as we do any initiative that helps to improve access to services and benefits for the Armed Forces community.

The fact that the digital Veteran Card will enable veterans to access and use their card more quickly is a positive development.

The digital Veteran Card works alongside the existing physical HM Armed Forces Veteran Card, giving veterans greater flexibility and choice.  It is the UK government’s first digital document to be stored in the GOV.UK One Login app, which provides the security and functionality for storing digital credentials as part of our national renewal agenda to create opportunity and make lives easier through better digital services. As we add more credentials over time – like the digital driving licence – and bring this capability to a bigger group of users, we will transition to talking about it as the GOV.UK Wallet.

Today’s launch builds on the government’s blueprint for modern digital government – making public services simpler, faster and more accessible through trusted technology that puts people first. Earlier this year, the UK government launched the GOV.UK App providing a single, secure place for citizens to access multiple government services laying the groundwork for innovations like the digital Veteran Card.