DNA tests begin on remains of Fromelles WWI soldiers
10 Aug 09
DNA tests will commence this week on the remains of hundreds of British and Australian World War I soldiers discovered last year at mass graves in Fromelles, northern France.
Painstaking work by the Oxford Archaeology team in burial pit two at Pheasant Wood, Fromelles
[Picture: Tim Loveless/Oxford Archaeology]
The DNA testing programme will be the largest undertaking to identify individuals killed in combat ever commissioned.
British Defence Minister Kevan Jones, in a joint announcement with his Australian counterpart Greg Combet, has confirmed that the testing will be conducted to identify the remains so that these soldiers can be 'laid to rest with the dignity they deserve'.
The group burial in Fromelles was confirmed during a limited excavation in May 2008 and it is thought that between 250 and 300 Australian and British soldiers were buried there by German forces after the Battle of Fromelles, which took place in 1916.
The decision to start full-scale DNA testing has been made after a successful pilot study which tested a cross-section of the Fromelles remains. Samples were taken from the teeth and bones of remains found in different parts of the burial sites to assess the overall quality and quantity of DNA that could be expected to be obtained.
A full archaeological excavation of the site is expected to be completed by the end of September and an identification board will convene in March 2010 to consider the available evidence that may lead to the identification of individual soldiers.
Mark Farmer, Forensic Radiographer, examines a phial of iodine found intact with contents preserved
[Picture: Tim Loveless/Oxford Archaeology]
As well as the remains of bodies, the archaeological excavation has already resulted in the discovery of several items, including uniform adornments, such as belt hooks and vegetable ivory buttons, which are particular to certain uniforms and will assist in identifying whether individuals are of British or Australian nationality. See Related News for more information >>>
Announcing the DNA testing programme Veterans Minister Kevan Jones said:
"This is an important step forward in the process of trying to identify the WWI soldiers buried at Fromelles. DNA is just one part of the identity puzzle and our experts will be examining all available evidence in their attempts to confirm the identities of these men.
"Each one of these soldiers will be laid to rest with the dignity they deserve and we owe it to them to do all we can to identify them."
Greg Combet, the Australian Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, said:
"It is a great result that viable DNA has been obtained. The delicate condition of the remains, the soil surrounding them and high water table have made the experts' job extremely difficult. Every one of these men will be given a dignified burial with full military honours. Putting names on their headstones is an additional benefit."
Kate Brady, Finds Specialist for Oxford Archaeology, sieving through soil samples
[Picture: Tim Loveless/Oxford Archaeology]
The Battle of Fromelles began on 19 July 1916 and was the first major battle on the Western Front to involve both British and Australian troops. In total the 61st British Division suffered losses of 1,547 either killed, wounded, taken prisoner or missing and the 5th Australian Division suffered 5,533 similar losses.
Anyone who believes they may be related to a soldier killed at Fromelles should contact the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre by calling 01452 712612, Extension 6303, or by e-mailing Fromelles@spva.mod.uk Families already registered will be contacted with details about the DNA testing process.
The full list of names of Australian and British servicemen who may be among those buried at Fromelles is available on the Fromelles Project website. See Related Links >>>
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is overseeing the work on behalf of both the British and Australian Governments, who are sharing the cost of the excavation and the initial DNA investigations.
The commission has started work on a new cemetery at the site, the first they have built in 50 years, where the remains of the bodies will be buried. See Related News >>>