Tests to identify WWI soldiers

DNA tests to identify the remains of hundreds of British and Australian soldiers killed in the First World War will begin this week.

Between 250 and 300 bodies have been discovered in mass graves in northern France, where they were buried by German forces after the disastrous 1916 Battle of Fromelles.

The soldiers’ remains are being exhumed and will be laid to rest with full military honours in individual graves at a new Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery nearby.

Now a full programme of DNA testing is being launched in an attempt to establish the identities of the bodies.

Veterans minister Kevan Jones said: “This is an important step forward in the process of trying to identify the First World War soldiers buried at Fromelles.

“DNA is just one part of the identity puzzle. Our experts will be examining all available evidence in their attempts to confirm the identities of these men.”

The land at Pheasant Wood was confirmed as a group burial site in May last year after a limited excavation revealed pits which had lain untouched since the battle more than 90 years earlier.

Work to excavate the grave got under way three months ago and a full archaeological excavation of the site is expected to be completed by the end of September.

Among the personal items excavated from the graves are a leather heart, a heart-shaped leather pouch containing a solid gold cross and a copper alloy crucifix, and a train ticket from Fremantle to Perth, where soldiers from Western Australia signed up for duty.

* Anyone who may be related to a British soldier killed at Fromelles can contact the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre on 01452 712612 ext 6303 or email [e-mail]