Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today announced that the archaeological excavation at Pheasant Wood, Fromelles, France has now successfully concluded. “A total of 250 sets of remains and 1200 artefacts have been excavated from six graves. This is lower than the previous estimate of 300 remains,” said Mr Combet. “An early analysis of the remains and the artefacts indicates that a large number of those recovered appear to be Australian.”

The focus of the project will now fall upon the identification of the remains and their reinterment at the purpose-built Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military cemetery. “As part of the identification of the remains LGC Forensics is undertaking a comprehensive analysis of DNA samples taken from the remains to assist in DNA matching against living relatives,” Mr Combet said

“In conjunction with this process further analysis of artefacts and remains will continue throughout September and October at Oxford Archaeology’s on site laboratory to see if any evidence can assist with the identification process. This information will be presented to the Joint Identification Board in March 2010 where the British and Australian Governments will consider the results and determine any appropriate further action that should be taken. While identification of the remains is an extremely complex process I remain hopeful that we will be able to identify a number of those that we have found. As the formal identification is a complex process that may take many months, and in some cases years, every soldier will be buried initially without a permanent headstone. The burials will commence on 30 January 2010 and continue through February until every soldier is laid to rest with full military honours. Members of the public are welcome to visit the site during reburials and view the proceedings from outside the cemetery.”

A commemorative event to open the cemetery is scheduled for the 94th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles on 19 July 2010.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Oxford Archaeology, and all of their staff, for their hard work and dedication throughout this excavation. Both the Australian and British Governments have been very pleased with their performance,” said Mr Combet.