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LGC Forensics wins Fromelles DNA contract

It was announced today that UK specialists LGC Forensics have been awarded the contract to analyse DNA from the remains recovered from the Pheasant Wood mass graves at Fromelles. 

In early May the company began a pilot study to determine viability of the DNA and it is anticipated that the results of the study will be available by the end of July.

The process of identifying the remains will be a complex process involving examination of records and physical evidence gathered from the recovery site as well as DNA comparison, if this proves practical.  The findings will then be considered by an identification board which is likely to site for the first time in March 2010.

Above: Steve Allen, Managing Director of LGC Forensics and David Richardson, Fromelles project manager acting for the British and Australian Governments, sign the contract.  Behind, Peter Singh of the Australian High Commission and Tracey Vennai, United Kingdom Ministry of Defence representative on the Fromelles Management Board

To read the Australian media release about the contract click here .

To find out more about DNA analysis and the identification process click here .