Three unknown South African soldiers, who died while fighting on the Western Front in 1917, were re-interred today at a ceremony at Tyne Cot Cemetery in Belgium.

The service was organised by the South African Embassy, located in Brussels, and the South African Defence Force.

The remains of the three soldiers were found near a brick factory in Zonnebeke at the end of 2011. Indications are that these soldiers were never formally buried, but that their graves were covered during battle by mortar and/or artillery fire.

Based on objects recovered, including unit insignia, as well as the location of the find, the remains were accepted as those of three unknown South African Soldiers from the 4th Regiment South African Infantry.

The Regiment was known as the South African Scottish and wore the Murray Atholl tartan. They were recruited from the Transvaal and Cape Town, among other places.