SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF LIMITED EXCAVATION IN FROMELLES

Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, today confirmed work at the limited excavation of a World War One burial site at Pheasant Wood, France came to a close Friday afternoon 13 June 2008 (Central European Time).

“The limited excavation phase of our investigation in Fromelles has been completed on schedule and with all three of its objectives achieved,” Minister Snowdon said.

The purpose of the excavation was to confirm the presence or otherwise of human remains at the site, as well as to provide an assessment of the number and condition of the remains.

“The Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division (GUARD) team has confirmed there are significant numbers of human remains buried at the site along with artifacts which signify their Australian and British nationality.”

“Preliminary reports indicate the human remains are of a skeletal nature and appear to be in good condition.  The team has also estimated the number of individuals buried at the site may be as high as several hundred.”

A simple but moving ceremony was held in Fromelles on Friday morning to acknowledge the significance of the ground, and provide the local community with an opportunity to pay their respects to those who have lain buried in their field for more than 90 years. 

“I am pleased to report that the ceremony in Fromelles yesterday was well received by local townspeople and provided a meaningful opportunity for the GUARD team to reflect on the significance of their discovery. 

“It is important that we recognise the professionalism of the survey team and the support they have received from the British government, the French authorities, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the local community.  And of course we must remember that it is likely that none of this would have happened without the foresight and dedication of Mr Lambis Englezos, the amateur historian and head of the Friends of the 15^th Brigade whose research lead to Army’s decision to investigate.”

Once the research report is finalised, the future of the site and human remains buried there will be carefully discussed and agreed upon by the relevant authorities.

“I have spoken to the British Minister for Veterans, Derek Twigg, and we have agreed that any decisions about the next steps in relation to this discovery of this burial site at Fromelles should wait until we receive the official Report from GUARD. 

“Any discussions about future decisions will need to include not only the British and French authorities but the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.”

Media note: Details of local ceremony

A local ceremony was held on site at 11am Friday 13 June 2008 (Central European Time).

The ceremony included prayers for peace from Reverend John Porter- Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and; Father Roger Duprez- a local priest.

The ceremony also included a moving rendition of the Last Post by bugler British Army Artillery Band Bugler, Lance Bombardier Danckert; and; a reciting of ‘The Ode’ by United Kingdom Ministry of Defence- Defence Services Secretary, Major General Matthew Sykes. 

Senior Australian Army Representative on the Fromelles Evaluation Group, Major General Mike O’Brien, remarked upon the significance of the site and thanked the British and French Governments for their assistance and collaboration, as well as the GUARD team for their dedication over the three-week excavation.

Official wreaths were laid by the Australian Ambassador to France, His Excellency Mr David Ritchie; the Mayor of Fromelles, Mr Hubert Huchette; Senior Australian Army Representative on the Fromelles Evaluation Group, Major General Mike O’Brien; United Kingdom Ministry of Defence- Defence Services Secretary, Major General Matthew Sykes; Director- France, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Mr David Symons, and; Head of Australian Army History Unit, Mr Roger Lee. 

Members of the public, including Fromelles residents and Australian nationals, were also invited to lay wreaths.

Media contacts:

Luke Toy (Warren Snowdon):                02 6277 7620 or 0409 076 576

Defence Media Liaison:                         02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664