After discovery of the bones, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission arranged to excavate.  Their report stated:

"The exhumation was carried out on Tuesday 3rd November 1998,on the far side (from the entrance) of the Lochnager Crater on the flat ground beyond the rim, and the following items were recovered:

"One human body consisting of broken skull, jawbone, teeth, vertebrae, limbs, ribs, pelvis, hands and feet. One pair of Army Boots, 100 bullets. One rifle, with bayonet wire cutters attatched, One rifle butt plate, Gas mask eye pieces, Two water bottles (one Canadian, One British) One pair of scissors, safety pin, food tin, one oil bottle, two pocket knives, one pipe mouthpiece, eight buckles/belt ends, 20 small buttons, one silver, hallmarked pen holder with inscription, one cap badge, and shoulder title TYNESIDE 3 SCOTTISH one folding cut throat razor inscribed G Nugent 1306.

Identification was made from his name appearing on his shaving mug – later confirmed by comparing DNA samples with his family (I A27).