Australian soldiers identified from WWI

Ireland News.Net
Wednesday 17th March, 2010

The Australian government has announced it has identified the remains of 75 Australian soldiers who fought in the 1916 Battle of Fromelles in France.

The World War I soldiers have been individually identified through DNA testing, which determined the names and nationality of soldiers discovered in a mass grave.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has told parliament that relatives of the soldiers have all been contacted and thanked all involved for giving them consolation and certainty.

The opposition Leader Tony Abbott said the identification was a poignant reminder about the sacrifices that so many young Australians had made in World War I.

He said: "Their sacrifices should never be forgotten."

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