I have visited this location on a number of occasions and then recently read the book "Somme" by Lyn McDonald about the battles in the area. To see it as it is now and read about what happened there is most shocking. Best of luck to the workers (And I would recommend a meal at the nearby Poppy restaurant)!!
Two of the leading figures in the project are Jeremy Banning and Peter Barton who were also involved in the Livens Flame Projector project which was the basis of the recent excellent Time Team Special. It sounded a fascinating project when I heard about it on the radio this morning.
I believe my grandfather lies there. He was a member of the 22nd (Tyneside Scottish) Bn Northumberland Fusiliers; His name was Edward Angus, Service No 22/110. killed 30/6/1916 no known grave. My father was just a baby, My Grandmother brought up my Dad and his 2 sisters on her own. TED
Great to hear such a project is underway. It is amazing that the research and excavations could take up to 15 years. I know it is a novel but Sebastian Faulks 'Birdsong' covers mining operations very well and describes some of the operational methods well - a very specialised and hazardous area of warfare.
