A GROUP of researchers are working to trace relatives of Australian soldiers who died at Fromelles, France, during the First World War.

The soldiers were found in a mass grave at Pheasant Wood in Fromelles, and the Fromelles Association is looking for specific living relatives for the purpose of DNA identification.

The research has brought the group to Colonel Frank Lind Holmes OBE, who had a long military career spanning both wars and served in India and Malta, returning to England in 1947. He was commanding officer and officer in charge of the Medical Division at Catterick Military Hospital until his retirement in 1956.

He was buried in at Hipswell, and his death record states his death was registered in Richmond in 1971.

Researchers at Fromelles Association said his gravestone mentions a wife Eileen and son Christopher, and they believe either his son or grandson will be only male line donor still living.

Anyone with information on Col Holmes or his relatives can contact Simone Kilburn on simonekilburn@hotmail.co.uk or write to 63 La Poumeroulie, Oradour Sur Vayres, 87150, Haute Vienne, France.