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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 15th 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.” |