IT is poignant that the body of an unknown Fusilier is finally being laid to rest as we approach the centenary of the end of the First World War.

The remains of the soldier were discovered in an old shell hole in 2016 by workers widening a road.

He was buried with the remains of two Australian soldiers in Flanders yesterday.

Among the items found with him are his rank insignia and a pencil from Eagley Cricket Club.

The MOD has spent a year trying to identify the remains and ­— if he was a member of the club ­— it is possible his descendants still live in the area.

This discovery highlights the personal stories behind the millions of brave young men who fought and died for their countries.

This man appears to have been a cricketer ­—leaving his passion behind to fight on the frontline ­— and a smoker.

If he is able to be identified, cricket club records will be able to give us ­— and his descendants ­— an insight into the man, especially on the cricket pitch.

Hopefully other aspects of the life and family he left behind would also emerge.

It is believed he was killed in the Battle of Passchendaele between July and November, 1917.

While his remains have been recovered, those of 42,000 others have never been found.

Hopefully investigations will be able to identify this fallen Fusilier and he can be honoured properly by his family and home town.