(MOD) Fromelles WWI graves excavation contract announced

The 1916 Battle of Fromelles saw significant losses from both countries and the graves located at Pheasant Wood contain both British and Australian casualties.

Excavation work is due to start in May 2009 and is expected to take up to six months.

The existence of the mass graves was confirmed in 2008 and a decision was made by both Governments to conduct a full archaeological excavation of the site.

Veterans Minister Kevan Jones said:

"We are pleased to announce that work will start in May 2009 on the archaeological excavation at Pheasant Wood as Oxford Archaeology has been successful in securing this important work.

"There has been a particularly close and amicable working relationship between our two countries on this project to excavate potentially 400 sets of human remains from the WWI burial site."

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is overseeing the project on behalf of the UK and Australian Governments.

Veterans Minister Kevan Jones added:

"By the end of the project in 2010 all the bodies will be permanently laid to rest in individual graves at a new Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at Fromelles. Wherever it is possible to identify the remains, named graves will be provided."

Warren Snowdon, the Australian Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, said:

"The Australian and British Governments will share the cost of the Pheasant Wood excavation, which is expected to take up to six months depending on several factors including the weather, soil conditions and the actual number of remains recovered.

"The awarding of this contract means that planning can begin in earnest for the excavation to commence in May this year and I look forward to work commencing that will ultimately see our brave soldiers fully honoured and laid to rest."

British and Australian families who believe they have connections to, or information on, the soldiers who may be buried at Fromelles are being encouraged to come forward to assist with the process.

DNA samples will be taken from a small cross-section of the remains to determine the viability of a larger testing programme, and the potential for a formal identification.