WWI troop remains discovered

Published: Monday, 2 June 2008, 10:03PM

Archaeologists excavating a suspected mass grave from the First World War have discovered human remains.

Experts from Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division (Guard) have uncovered skeletal remains and items of military equipment in a field near the village of Fromelles, in northern France.

It is thought the bodies of around 400 British and Australian troops may be buried at the site, known as Pheasant Wood.

Over the next two weeks, the team will try to find evidence to confirm the nationality of the troops, and a decision will be taken on what should be done with the site.

The Battle of Fromelles began on July 19 1916 and was intended to divert German troops away from the Battle of the Somme, which was raging 50 miles to the south, but is regarded as a failure despite devastating loss of life.

The Australian 5th Division suffered appalling casualties: 1,300 men were killed in the first evening alone, and a total of 5,500 were killed, captured or wounded by the end of the action.

There were around 1,500 casualties on the British side.

Dr Tony Pollard, of Guard, who is leading the team of around 15 archaeologists, said the team had found eight separate pits covering an area 130m long and 30m wide.

"We have now established beyond doubt there are human remains in five of the pits," he said.

"We have found no indication that bodies were laid out in any order - they are entangled, which suggests a degree of hurry.

"Let's not forget the bodies were laid out in the summer sun for several days before they were buried, so they probably wanted to get them in the ground as quickly as possible."

A bayonet scabbard and entrenching tool was found next to one body, he said, and the wetness of the ground meant the remains were well preserved.

It is even possible that organic matter - uniform material, for example - may be found.

Fromelles is the largest mass grave from World War I to be found in recent times.

Dr Pollard said recovery teams looking for bodies in the aftermath of the war missed the site despite clear information provided by the Germans to the Red Cross.

"It's a very peaceful place," Dr Pollard said, "overlooked by a church in the village.

"I can think of worse places to spend eternity."

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