The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has added the names of six Cook Islanders to its records.
The headstone of a Cook Islands soldier who served in the First World War found washed up on a beach (file photo). Photo: Supplied / Cate Walker
It did so at the request of the New Zealand Defence Force, which accepted the six died of tuberculosis contracted during the First World War.
They are Privates Nga Naeiti, Taria Tearii, Rangi Tiaure, Mareto Tima, Banaba Tipe and Terongo Tuakeo.
The Cook Islands News reports their names will now be read during Anzac Day commemorations in New Zealand and inscribed on the Roll of Honour at the National War Memorial.
The men died shortly after the war upon returning home to the Cooks.
Researchers are now trying to identify living relatives and landowners of where the six are buried.
The Commission honours the 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died in the First and Second World wars, and ensures they will never be forgotten.