World War I Australian soldiers' bodies found 107 years after Second Battle of Bullecourt in May 1917
The remains of four Australian soldiers who died during World War I have been discovered during a fieldwork activity in northern France.
The soldiers were killed during the Second Battle of Bullecourt in May 1917, according to the Department of Defence.
Up to 10,000 soldiers of the Australian Imperial Force were wounded or killed while attempting to breach the German Hindenburg Line defences during the battle.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.At least 3700 Australians died in the Bullecourt battle from April to May of the same year, with more than half believed to be resting in unmarked graves.
An Australian National Memorial to the Missing at Villers-Bretonneux in France was established to honour the Australians who died during World War I and have no known grave.
Australian Army Chief Lieutenant General Simon Stuart said the discovery highlighted the need to keep searching for fallen soldiers.
“As we approach Anzac Day, recovering these four Australian soldiers reminds us the search for the missing is tireless and ongoing,” Lieutenant General Stuart said.
“We do not forget the service and sacrifice of those who serve our nation.
“The work of forensic specialists, historians and researchers to identify these soldiers is now under way so we can ensure these men are reburied with the dignity and respect they so justly deserve.”
The discovery was made by the Australian Army’s Unrecovered War Casualties Army unit.
The unit, which receives dozens of submissions on the whereabouts of Australian soldiers each year, aims to find and recover the wartime casualties.
The discovery of remains is not uncommon.
In 2018, nine Australian soldiers who died in the Battle of Fromelles were formally identified, followed by the identification of five more in 2023.
About 44,000 Australians died on the Western Front during World War I, of whom 17,000 have no known grave.
Australians around the world will gather and reflect at dawn services as part of Anzac Day commemorations on Friday to honour the more than 103,000 who sacrificed their lives.
