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Fromelles


27 May 2008
Fromelles images: Days 1 & 2

The Australian Army, under the auspices of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and in conjunction with British and French Governments, is undertaking the limited excavation of a suspected WWI group burial site in Fromelles, France. This work is being carried out by a team of professionals from the Glasgow University Archaeology Research Division (GUARD) over the period 26 May to 14 June 2008.

The excavation should prove once and for all whether the remains of up to 400 fallen Australian and British soldiers lay beneath the soil of a small field adjacent to Pheasant Wood. Non-invasive surveys and archival research suggest the soldiers were buried at the site by German Forces following the Battle of Fromelles which took place over 19-20 July 1916. A limited excavation is required to establish the existence or otherwise of any remains.
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Major General Mike O'Brien oversees the excavation work in pit 6.

(Date taken: 26 May 2008)
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The archaeology team sifts through topsoil over pit 6.

(Date taken: 26 May 2008)
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The archaeology team recover early-pattern shrapnel balls in the topsoil over pit 6.

(Date taken: 26 May 2008)
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A small mechanical excavator gently scrapes away the topsoil so archaeologists can examine the subsoil below.

(Date taken: 26 May 2008)
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The excavation team searches for the original pit outline by cleaning the subsoil with trowels.

(Date taken: 26 May 2008)
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The archaeology team examine the subsoil as a small excavator removes top soil from pit 6.

(Date taken: 26 May 2008)
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Director of the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology (Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division) Dr Tony Pollard addresses media at the start of the limited excavation on Monday 26 May 2008.

(Date taken: 26 May 2008)
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Senior Army Representative, Major General Mike O'Brien and Head of Army History Unit, Mr Roger Lee (centre left) address the media to announce the start of the limited excavation on Monday 26 May 2008.
(Date taken: 26 May 2008)
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Senior Army Representative in Fromelles, Major General Mike O'Brien (left) and Director of the Office of Australian War Graves, Major General Paul Stevens (retd) discuss the limited excavation onsite along the side of Pheasant Wood.

(Date taken: 26 May 2008)
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The initial cut begins into the top soil at Fromelles.

(Date taken: 26 May 2008)
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The excavation team prepares to make the first cut in the soil of a suspected WWI group burial site in Fromelles.

(Date taken: 26 May 2008)
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