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<\/a><\/p>\nFIRST FROMELLES SOLDIERS IDENTIFIED<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cOf the 250 soldiers found, I am pleased to announce that 203 have been identified as Australians, and that 75 of these have been positively identified by name,\u201d said Mr Combet. *****<\/p>\n A full list of the soldiers identified is available on the Department of Defence website. To see the list click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n The latest updates on The Australian Army Fromelles Project website are available by clicking here<\/a>.<\/p>\n *****<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Hon.Greg Combett AM MP Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science and The Hon. Alan Griffin MP Minister for Veterans\u2019 Affairs announced the results of the first Joint Identification Board, held to identify the soldiers recently reburied in Fromelles. … Continue reading
\n\u201cThe number of soldiers that we have been able to identify exceeds even our most optimistic forecasts. We are unlikely to identify every man; however we will continue to take all reasonable steps to maximise those named in the future.\u201d
\n\u201cEach of the 250 sets of remains that were found have been analysed using all available historical, anthropological, artefact and DNA evidence.\u00a0 For those who have been identified so far, DNA proved to be a key piece of the identification puzzle.\u201d
\n\u201cI am also pleased to say that we have strong reason to believe that more identification could occur in the future.\u201d
\nA second identification board will be conducted in early May 2010 to consider samples that were not available for the March board. Further Boards will be conducted in 2011-14 and concluded in 2014.
\n\u201cFurther identification is significantly increased with DNA from living relatives to cross-match against, so I would continue to ask all potential relatives to register with Army.\u201d
\nPeople who believe their relative may be buried at Fromelles and have not already registered should do so at www.army.gov.au\/fromelles or by calling 1800 019 090.
\nAlan Griffin, Minister for Veterans Affairs also welcomed the announcement, saying it gives their families and all Australians the opportunity to honour and recognise the service of these soldiers.
\n\u201cAll but one of the soldiers have been reburied in individual graves in the purpose?built Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery,\u201d said Mr Griffin.
\n\u00a0\u201cThe final soldier will\u00a0be laid to rest at a dedication ceremony on the 94th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles on 19 July 2010.
\n\u201cThe soldiers are being buried in the new Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery which is the first full cemetery the Commonwealth War Graves Commission has constructed in more than 50 years.
\n\u201cThe new cemetery is a fitting resting place for these brave men, who made the ultimate sacrifice.
\n\u201cIt is fantastic that we are able to present the names of these brave Australian soldiers to the nation and restore their identity to relatives.
\n\u201cThe battle of Fromelles was the bloodiest 24 hours in Australian history with 5,533 Australian soldiers killed, wounded or missing,\u201d said Mr Griffin.
\nOnly three British soldiers could be identified by their force and none by name. Forty-four soldiers remain \u2018Known unto God\u2019.
\nMore than 1300 Australians soldiers died at Fromelles and have no known grave.<\/p>\n