Search For Dead To Start At French War Site

Sydney Morning Herald

Thursday February 7, 2008

Phillip Hudson

EXCAVATION work will begin in April at what is believed to be a World War I mass burial site near Fromelles, France, which may contain the bodies of 400 Australian and British soldiers.

The Defence Science and Personnel Minister, Warren Snowdon, last night announced the limited excavation of an area where the soldiers are believed to have fought and died in July 1916.

Mr Snowdon praised the Melbourne group Friends of the Fifteenth Brigade Association, led by Lambis Englezos, who found the possible burial site.

Mr Snowdon said the excavation would be carried out by the Glasgow University Archaeological Division team that did a "non-invasive survey" of the site in May last year.

"The limited excavation work [the university team] undertakes will determine, beyond doubt, the presence or otherwise of remains at the site as well as provide information on the quantity and condition of any remains," Mr Snowdon said.

"Should the presence of remains be confirmed, any decision to proceed with a recovery operation will be subject to agreement from French and British authorities," he said.

Mr Snowdon said the work would be carried out under the supervision of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and had approval from French authorities and the land owner.

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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