THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Saturday, 14 June 2008
073/2008
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 15th Brigade
whose research lead to Army’s decision to investigate.”
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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 PorterCommonwealth 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 threeweek 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):
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6277 7620 or 0409 076 576
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664