DNA may ID bodies in mass grave.

[Cigarband]

This from WWI but I didn't know where else to put it.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/02/01/ww1.graves/index.html?eref=rss_world&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_world+(RSS%3A+World)&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher

 

[Smithy]

This has been a very big story here for obvious reasons. The media has been following this ever since that Australian amateur historian was able to pinpoint where the Fromelle casualties where buried.

 

[Peacoat]

Interesting story of a time long ago. It does surprise me that DNA would still be viable after almost 100 years. Of course I had failed to consider that DNA possibly could be recovered from inside the teeth.

Also I found it odd that no mention was made of body identification by use of the dog tags, as British, Canadian, New Zealand and Australian troops were issued dog tags from the beginning of the war. What I failed to consider was that the tags issued by those countries back then were of a fiber material, not likely to withstand the elements for long periods of time.

I'll be interested to see how this story progresses and what success, or lack thereof, the researchers have. Smithy, if you have an update, please let us know.

 

[Smithy]

Hi Peacoat,

Not too much new, but this is a good site to keep up with the Fromelles burials and work...

http://www.defence.gov.au/ARMY/fromelles/

Cheers,

Smithy

 

[Peacoat]

Thanks for the link. It appears that even though they have recovered 250 bodies, they haven't determined the identities of the ones recovered or even whether they are British or Australian. This will be an interesting story as it develops.