Why was the Battle of Fromelles significant?
Fromelles Disaster at Fromelles, 1916 The attack on Fromelles on 19 July 1916 was the first major battle fought by Australian troops on the Western Front. It was a feint designed to prevent the Germans reinforcing their troops on the Somme, where the Allies had launched a major offensive on 1 July.
What did the Australians do at Fromelles?
Australian and British soldiers assaulted over open ground in broad daylight and under direct observation and heavy fire from the German lines. Over 5,500 Australians became casualties. Almost 2,000 of them were killed in action or died of wounds and some 400 were captured.
How were the mass graves found in Fromelles?
The bodies were discovered following historical research that included analysis of aerial photographs showing the presence of mass graves on the edge of Pheasant Wood (Bois Faisan), just outside the village of Fromelles.
What is the Fromelles project?
The Joint Australian Army and United Kingdom Ministry of Defence Fromelles Project was established in response to a proposal received by the Australian Army in 2006 that Australian soldiers were buried in pits near the village of Fromelles in France.
Is the Battle of Fromelles still a battle?
The British never ever recorded Fromelles as a Battle & it is not recognised as such to this Day. We Australians regard it as a Battle, & the 31st Bn being the only Unit of the 5th Div. WW1, still operational & on strength in the ADF, will continue to recognise it & commemorate the Diggers who fought & died there.
What was the Battle of Fromelles accession number?
Battle of Fromelles Accession Number: A03042 Men of the 53rd Battalion waiting to don their equipment for the attack at Fromelles. Only three of the men shown here came out of the action alive, and those three were wounded. C612
How many Australian soldiers came out of the Battle of Fromelles alive?
Only three of the men shown here came out of the action alive, and those three were wounded. C612 The battle of Fromelles on 19 July 1916 was a bloody initiation for Australian soldiers to warfare on the Western Front.
What happened to the original Fromelles monument?
For nearly 80 years this sombre monument remained the only conspicuous reminder of the tragic events of Fromelles until, in July 1998, a new Australian Memorial Park was dedicated there.