DNA identifies WWI digger

[Antipodean Andy]

This chap's mates were identified earlier - WWI diggers laid to rest

Wonderful news.

DNA identifies WWI Digger | NEWS.com.au

THE remains of an Australian soldier recovered from a World War I battlefield nearly 90 years after his death have been identified.

DNA-matching was used to identify the soldier as Private George Richard Storey.

He was killed during the Battle of Polygon Wood in Belgium in September 1917.

His body was recovered from a lost grave in 2006.

Pte Storey's remains, along with those of Private John Hunter, Sergeant George Calder and two other unidentified Australian soldiers, were discovered during excavations near Westhoek in Belgium two years ago, the Federal Government said today.

"While very good research work produced a list of seven possible names for the men, DNA matching techniques were only able to confirm the identity of two of the five prior to the re-burial ceremony with full military honours last year," Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon said.

"Confirmation of George Storey's identification was made using DNA together with compelling historical research.

"It has been a long, arduous process, but now Pte Storey's place of burial is known to his country and, most importantly, his family."

There were plans to install a new headstone at Pte Storey's grave, replacing the Known unto God inscription with his name.

A small, informal ceremony would be held in Belgium and it was hoped the Storey family could come, Mr Snowdon said.

Pte Storey was born in London, England, but was working as a farmhand in Western Australia when he enlisted in March 1916 as a 20-year-old.

He was posted to the 51st Battalion and embarked for Europe in September 1916 where he joined his unit in December.

Pte Storey was wounded in June 1917 but recovered in time to rejoin his unit and participate in the attack on Polygon Wood.

He was killed in action on September 30, 1917.

His brother Jack survived the war and returned to Australia in January 1918.

[liverpool annie]

Originally Posted by Antipodean Andy

This chap's mates were identified earlier - WWI diggers laid to rest

Wonderful news.

DNA identifies WWI Digger | NEWS.com.au

It certainly is wonderful news !! ...... there has been much debate recently about DNA matching to identify soldiers - do you think it can be denied to the four hundred found in the mass graves in Fromelles ? ...... or do you think it will it all come down eventually to the bottom line - cost ??

Annie

[Antipodean Andy]

I haven't kept up with recent happenings since the discovery at Fromelles. Are they saying they won't be attempting to ID them? Perhaps it is too hard given there are supposed to be Australians and British buried together? Having said that, it would only be families with missing relatives coming forward to be tested. I can't speak for the UK govt, but I would be very surprised if the Australian government decided not to attempt to ID these men.

[liverpool annie]

Originally Posted by Antipodean Andy

I haven't kept up with recent happenings since the discovery at Fromelles. Are they saying they won't be attempting to ID them? Perhaps it is too hard given there are supposed to be Australians and British buried together? Having said that, it would only be families with missing relatives coming forward to be tested. I can't speak for the UK govt, but I would be very surprised if the Australian government decided not to attempt to ID these men.

Hello Andy ! ... there is a long thread here to settle back with a cold one and read if you're interested .... lots of opinions from Australians and British ..... also families etc ..... nothing is ever straight forward is it ??

http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/fo...howtopic=91592

Lambis hoped it would be easy !!

Annie

[Antipodean Andy]

Thanks Annie. Only pop onto GWF from time to time.

[Nostalgair]

Hi all,

It's fascinating to see DNA technology used for this purpose. That after nearly a century, we are able to identify such remains still astounds me.

Cheers

Owen

[rlaughton]

Did you read this one today about the Australian soldier they found, more or less intact, still holding his rifle and wearing his KIT:

Old Aussie soldier uncovered in Belgium - Breaking News - National - Breaking News

I had never heard of anything like that one before!

[Antipodean Andy]

Amazing stuff, Richard. A lot will be learned from what he is carrying. I reckon it'll be a considerable leap forward in our understanding. This must be the same bloke?

Remains of Digger unearthed

Boys must be restless to get home - they're turning up everywhere.