DNA identifies soldier

Banora Point resident Leo Rawlings was excited to hear his great uncle’s remains had been identified almost 94 years after his death.

Blainey Woodham

THE recently identified remains of an Australian soldier who died almost 94 years ago has brought closure to his Banora Point ancestor.

Leo Rawlings said he was overcome with joy when his great uncle, Private Frederick Rawlings of the 31st Battalion, was one of 75 Australian soldiers who died in the Battle of Fromelles to be positively identified by the Australian Army this week.

Mr Rawlings, 67, was matched to the remains found on the French excavation site thanks to DNA he supplied last year.

“It’s a wonderful sense of excitement to know he has been found. It’s great closure for my family,” Mr Rawlings said yesterday.

“The military rang earlier this week to tell us the good news.”

Mr Rawlings had been researching his late great uncle since he learnt of his connection on Anzac Day, 1988.

“I got a great curiosity about it once I found out who he was and how we were related,” Mr Rawlings said.

“I’m excited they were able to deduct this link from my DNA.”

The Battle of Fromelles on July 19 and 20, 1916, was the bloodiest 24 hours in Australian history, with 5533 casualties.

The Australian Army commissioned a limited excavation of the Pheasant Wood group burial site in 2008.

The wait, however, continues for Tweed Heads West historian Warren Keats.

The remains of his uncle, Private Prosper Goodwin Keats, who died in the battle, have yet to be identified.

“I haven’t given up hope yet though,” Mr Keats said.

Mr Keats said his daughter would attend the commemoration of the Fromelles Military Cemetery on July 19.

It will mark the 94th anniversary of the commencement of the Battle of Fromelles.

“It will be wonderful to finally have closure.

“Even if they don’t find anything it will be wonderful to have family represent him at the commemoration ceremony,” Mr Keats said

Defence Personnel Minister Greg Combet said more identifications were possible.

A second identification board will be conducted in early May to consider samples that were not available for the March board. Further tests will be conducted in 2011 and will conclude in 2014.

“I am also pleased to say that we have strong reason to believe that more identification could occur in the future,” Mr Combet said.

The soldiers will be buried in the new Fromelles Military Cemetery.