*DNA arrives in UK

The Australian Army Fromelles Project update released on 24 August 2009 reports on progress to date and the Media Day held at Pheasant Wood recently.

Photo: Media observing archaeologists at work. [Australian Army]

The update also reports that:
a significant amount of the stored DNA samples, taken from remains during the period of the pilot project, were dispatched to LGC Forensics during the week and have arrived at Teddington, London.

To read the report in full visit The Australian Army Fromelles Project – Don’t forget me cobber by clicking here.

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The Families and Friends of the First AIF applauds the joint Australian–UK decision, announced by The Hon Greg Combet AM MP and the Hon Kevan Jones MP, to conduct a full DNA testing program on the remains of Australian and British soldiers found in mass graves at Pheasant Wood (Fromelles), and for their continuing commitment to identify as many of the fallen as is possible. We also thank the Australian, UK and French governments for affording dignified individual reburials for these soldiers, buried by German soldiers following the Battle of Fromelles on 19/20 July 1916, in the new Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery presently under construction at Fromelles.