Unknown soldiers who died decades apart get back names

Archibald Hanley (left), pictured with his brother and fellow soldier John Hanley. (AAP PHOTOS)

Two soldiers who died on the same date decades apart in different corners of the globe have finally been identified.

Private Archibald ''Blue'' Hanley, 30th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, and Lieutenant Hercules William Crawford, 39th Battalion, Citizens Military Forces, both died on August 8, and spent decades in graves identified only as unknown Australian soldiers.