DISCOVERY OF AUSTRALIAN REMAINS ON THE WESTERN FRONT

The Australian Government was investigating the reported discovery of the remains of an Australian World War I soldier on the Western Front in France, Veterans’ Affairs Minister Bruce Billson said today.

“A French archaeological team working near St Quentin has reported finding the remains of what appears to be a casualty from the Australian Imperial Force,” Mr Billson said.

“Although bad weather has prevented the recovery of the remains, we hope this will happen in the next few days.

“Such finds are not uncommon on the battlefields of the Western Front and there will be a cooperative effort between authorities in France, Australia and the United Kingdom to seek to identify this soldier,” Mr Billson said.

“The discovery had been reported to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) and the Office of Australian War Graves (OAWG).  Once the remains are recovered, the Australian Department of Defence will carry out extensive research to identify them.

“This includes examining the uniform, weapons and any personal items found at the site, researching the lists of the missing from battles in the area and, if necessary, forensic research using medical or dental records.

“This process can take up to two years and, based on past experience, there is a possibility that the soldier may not be identified at all,” Mr Billson said.

“If a positive identification is made, Defence with the assistance of the OAWG will attempt to contact next of kin to attend a military funeral at the nearest practicable CWGC war cemetery.  If the soldier cannot be identified, he will be buried at the war cemetery as ‘ An Unknown Australian Soldier of the 1914-1918 War’.

“Regardless of the outcome, the Australian Government is committed to ensuring that the remains of our war dead and their families are treated with the respect they deserve,” Mr Billson said.

Media inquiries: Shane Fairlie 0408 680 442