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Fromelles


29 May 2008
Fromelles images: Day 3

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 28 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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Archeologists carefully record the relics of battle which have been unearthed during the limited excavation.

(Date taken: 28 May 2008)
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The Project Historian, Mr Peter Barton (left) shows Australian Mr Tim Whitford some battle artefacts located during the team's excavation. Mr Whitford has travelled from Australia to Fromelles with his wife and daughter, and believes his Great-Uncle may be buried at the site.

(Date taken: 28 May 2008)
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French Gendarmes (police) arrive onsite the morning following the discovery of human remains. Under French law, the Gendarmerie must determine if the remains relate to any criminal activity or are of interest to law authorities.

(Date taken: 28 May 2008)
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Major General Mike O'Brien addresses a press conference at Fromelles on Wednesday 28 May, the morning after the discovery of human remains.

(Date taken: 28 May 2008)
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Two members of the Glasgow University GUARD archaelogogy team work to excavate pits 1 and 2 by hand on day three of the limited excavation.

(Date taken: 28 May 2008)
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Two members of the University of Glasgow GUARD team work to excavate pits 1 and 2 by hand on day three of the limited excavation.

(Date taken: 28 May 2008)
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Excavation work continues over pit 5.

(Date taken: 28 May 2008)
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