What tools, processes, checklist would you use in identifying an Unkno

[southafricawargraves]

Pals,

Is there a checklist of items, tools, processes one would use to identify an Uknown Soldier?

Let's say for example, we find a man tomorrow and it is up to us to identify him, is there a "procedure" to identify soldiers?

[Seadog]

In the case you mention I guess that an ideal scenario would be as follows assuming that the remains are British due to the evidence of uniform, badges etc:-

Any obvious ID such as ID tag

Any marked personal items such as spoon with army number

If any of the above are present then

Confirmation by either:

A Forensic Osteologist to compare remains with any existing recorded details such as height etc.

And/Or

Confirmation by DNA profiling if a suitable donor is identified.

Historical records such as date and assumed place of death

This describes an ideal scenario which unfortunately is rare as I cannot remember a case involving the British MOD when DNA technology has been used until the well documented current case of the Beaucamps-Ligny 15. A good example of the range of skills required in this task can be gleaned from the Australian department responsible for the identification of the lost members of their armed forces.

"The present UWC-A team consists of three full-time staff members ; Brian Manns, the Manager and two investigation case managers, Alan Cooper for Europe and Ms Dale Morley for Asia-Pacific. There is also a team of nine Army Reserve Officers, who undertake the roles of investigator and researcher, and a forensic osteologist (who is involved in the study of bones). In addition, and when required, the UWC-A employs additional Reserve officers from all branches of the armed forces who have the appropriate skills such as physical anthropology, odontology and archaeology, the unit can also call upon Army Reserve pathologists as required”

Regards

Norman