Missing airman : RAF matricule 48949

[Andy Saunders]

Hi Arnaud

What you say is most intertesting.

However, in the case of Fg Off Derek Allen DFC we worked on the excavation with the Mayor of Neuvilly, the Gendarmes and the CWGC. Whilst remains were found (and the number P3533) the investigation into the notion that these might be the remains of Derek Allen led to an investigation by MOD/AHB.

In the event, this turned up a link to the grave at Poix du Nord and the MOD were able to confirm that this was certainly the grave of Allen. The story is more complex than that, but if you let me have your e-mail address I will send you the full story.

As to working in Pas de Calais/Nord, we are now aware that there are problems with this.

After a recent recovery when we found the remains of Sgt W J Smith RAAF problems have arisen with DRAC who claim we did not have the correct authorisation, notwithstanding the fact that we worked through the Mayor and with his authority. As far as we were concrned, everything was done correctly but a formal "investigation" is now underway. This is against a background of the MOD having no problems with this exacation, and with the CWGC and Australian authorities satisfied that we acted properly and correctly as well as the Smith family being absolutely delighted. DRAC are less than delighted, apparently, and are being very negative.

I do not want to say any more about the Sgt Smith case at this stage but I would add that in our work in France we have always striven to act correctly and have always done so through the local Mayor from whom we have always gained consent.

Also, I would add that we are happy and willing to work with French groups and researchers as we feel that a joint effort on some projects would be of mutual benefit. I regret that a certain private organisation in Pas de Calais are opposed to our work and openly hostile. I am rather of the view that only this organisation are permitted to work in Pas de Calais by DRAC, but this is neither fair nor reasonable on other French or UK researchers. It seems Pas de Calais is "closed" to all except those favoured by DRAC in the region and I have also had a message saying that I am not even "allowed" to research incidents in the area or to do even non-archaeological field work. Oh really? Anyway, it is a matter I have now taken up formally with my local Member of The European Parliament. (MEP)

I am puzzled as to what the real legal position is (if there is one?) because nobody seems able to tell us - not even DRAC! Anyway, we had not realised that other French groups could not work there and had begun to think that this was just slightly anti-British, although we hesitated to think so, let alone to say it.

What is the position elsewhere in France? May I assume that DRAC is not a problem elsewhere? I would like to know!