DNA
Will DNA be used in the identification process?
Yes, samples from each set of remains will be processed in the hope that they can produce viable profiles for the Y and Mitochondrial DNA which, in turn, will facilitate the search for paternal and maternal descendents. The type of DNA found in the remains is Modern DNA that has degraded over time and not Ancient DNA (which would be found in remains that are thousands of years old) and entirely within the scope of a modern forensic investigation.
Has a full DNA testing programme now been conducted on all the remains recovered from the site?
Based on the results of the pilot study, the Australian and British Governments announced on 10 August 2009 that a full testing programme would be conducted in an attempt to identify the remains in the hope that at least some of these soldiers can be given a named headstone.
Due to the extremely small quantities of DNA present in some sets of remains, it is possible that not all will produce a useable profile. At least two attempts to extract a useable profile will be made. This process is ongoing and is expected to be complete by the end of December 2009.
Who is undertaking the DNA work?
LGC Forensics were awarded the contract on 22 June 2009. They are a world leader in DNA analysis. The company won the contract for the work at Pheasant Wood through a competitive tender process. This process complied with best practice procurement guidelines and their bid met the required standard for this part of the project.
What other methods of identification will be used?
DNA analysis is only one element of the complex identification process. All available anthropological, archaeological and historical information will also be considered.
What is the process for taking DNA samples from family members?
Teams in Australia and the UK have been working closely with families who have registered a link with one of the missing soldiers to develop family trees and to identify potentially suitable donors. Those identified from their position in the family tree have been invited to provide a DNA sample. LGC Forensics has sent out test kits with instructions on taking a cheek swab for a DNA sample. The test is free and can be done at home. The swab is returned free of charge direct to LGC Forensics where the DNA profile will be compared with the DNA profiles of the soldiers recovered from the site. This process is ongoing and the initial phase is expected to be complete by the end of December 2009.
Anthropological Data & Artefacts
What is anthropological data?
This is the personal data of a soldier that highlights certain injuries, conditions and physical characteristics that can be used to assist identification.
For example, if a soldier had broken their leg in the 12 months prior to the Battle of Fromelles, the injury and degree of healing could be used to assist in identification.
How is anthropological data obtained?
Each soldier's service record will be reviewed for potentially relevant information from medical records, enlistment documents and relevant Red Cross documentation.
What about personal artefacts?
If personal are recovered with a soldier, these will be used in the identification process.
What will happen to artefacts attributed to an identified soldier?
If a soldier is identified and has personal artefacts relatives will be contacted about any personal artefact recovered with the soldier and the handling of this will be determined through this consultation. For example, artefacts may be either returned to the family or donated to museums and memorials.
Joint Identification Board
Who is going to analyse the data and determine identity?
The Joint Identification Board, co-chaired by Australian and British appointed officials, are the appointed authority for the determination of identity.
When is the JIB?
The JIB will sit between 1-12 March 2010 and annually until 2014 to consider additional evidence.
Is the JIB open to the public?
No, privacy issues concerning relatives prevents access to the Board by unauthorised people.
Will I have access to the Board's report?
No, privacy issues concerning relatives prevents access to the Board by unauthorised people.
Will the board sit again?
Yes, the Board will convene annually until the completion of the project in 2014.
After Identification
When will I know if my relative is identified?
Members of ASFPG will contact each registered relative of named soldiers once identification has been established. This will be conducted initially via phone with a follow-up letter. Relatives of soldiers not named will be contacted by letter.
What will I have to do if my relative is found to be at Pheasant Wood?
If identity is established, the family of the soldier will need to determine the inscription to be placed on the headstone.
What can we put on the headstone?
As a family, you will need to provide:
- Names of both Parents
- Name of widow (if applicable)
- A religious emblem such as:
- A Cross
- A Jewish Star of David
- No Religious Emblem
- Indication of Other Religious Belief.
- Inscription. This can be a maximum of four 25 character lines. (Restrictions on the content exist. This is based on the time of the casualty and the appropriateness of the content. Further direction will be provided.)
What if my family can't agree on the headstone?
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission will erect a standard headstone.