Reinterment

When is the reinterment?
Reinterment of all but one soldier was conducted from 30 January to 19 February 2010.

Where is the reinterment?
Reinterments occurred at the Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery in Fromelles, France. This is a new cemetery constructed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for the Pheasant Wood soldiers.

Why is one soldier being excluded from the reinterment?
This soldier will be reinterred on 19 July 2010 during the commemorative event on behalf of all so public can attend.

Who is the last soldier to be reinterred?
The final soldier to be reinterred is an unknown soldier. He was selected due to the lack of evidence available to identify him.

Why is reinterment occurring before identification?
We are seeking to conduct the entire project will the maximum dignity and respect for the soldiers of Pheasant Wood. As a result we decided early in the project to reinter the soldiers at the first available opportunity to preserve their dignity.
The first available opportunity for the reinterment occured when the cemetery was constructed to a stage when the interments could occur. The cemetery will be completed before the commemorative event in July.

Can I attend the reinterments?
249 of the 250 reburials are now complete. You may visit the Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery and observe further construction from a designated viewing area.

When will reinterments occur?
Reinterments commenced on Saturday 30 January 2010 with the reinterment of the first soldier. Following this, reinterments occurred on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays throughout February until 19 February 2010.

What occurred on the other days?
The cemetery was refurbished from the previous burials and prepared for the following days burials.

How were the reinterments be conducted?
Full military burials occurred for every soldier. Burial parties from the Australian and British Armies conducted all burials.