August 12 - 2010
CEREMONY

I have some photos below from the ceremony on July 19 taken by Paul Cobb, if you have any photos from the event and would like to see them here please send them through.

 

July 21 – 2010
TO HOSPITAL

Continuing our diary series, below is Francis Armstrong's entry for the 21st of July, 1916 ;

8pm 3 rd Can. Grl. Hosp. Bol. Arrived here this morning at 3am. Went into action at 7pm Wed. night. Wounded at 3 am Thurs morning after being in German's 2 nd line all the time. Got back to own lines and then went aboard Hosp Ship St David at 10pm last night. Left for England at 5am this morning. Arrived here at Bedborough Hosp Tunbridge at 12 noon .

Mem: got back to dressing station. Only slightly wounded. Off to Eng. Tomorrow. Proud of boys of my old platoon. Mr Goldrick wounded before we got up to trenches. My platoon followed me everywhere into veritable hell.

 

July 20 – 2010
THE NEW CEMETERY

Yesterday the ceremony took place to bury the final soldier discovered at Fromelles and thus open the new cemetery.

Below is a video on the preparations for the ceremony.

And finally a video concerning the DNA work that helped make this day happen.

We have yet another diary entry too, from Herbert Harris, Francis Armstrong did not write in his diary on July 20. Harris wrote;

Thank God I am still alive and not murdered apart for a slight bang on the finger from a splinter of shell. My steel helmet saved me five times and how many escapes I had could not be counted. If any man is thankful for his safety from such hell I am he. Nearly all of our officers are dead or wounded and the battalion is about half a battalion now. The sights I saw will never be forgotten, it was like a butchers shop.

 

July 19 – 2010
LEST WE FORGET

At around 6pm on the 19th of July, 1916 thousands of brave Australian and British soldiers embarked on a journey from which many would never return. Now, almost one hundred years later these brave men are finally getting the respect and acknowledgement they deserve. May we all take a moment today to reflect upon what they did and ensure they are never forgotten again. Lest We Forget.

Australian readers are able to watch the dedication ceremony live on 7Two from 9:30pm tonight (it is also on Channel 7 but around midnight ).

Continuing our series of diary entries, here is what Francis Armstrong wrote today;

4pm ready to move. Will probably be in action tonight. Everything ready. don't feel least bit excited. Boys all anxious to get in.

And Herbert Harris;

Last night was at carrying munitions all day. 60lb bombs are now out here again and the shells are flying around like ants, it's awful. This is the big day and God knows how many of us will come out of it alive.

 

July 18 – 2010
THE DAY BEFORE

Tomorrow is July 19, the day when we all will stop to remember those who fought and fell at Fromelles. If you can't make it to France make sure you check your local television guides as several channels will be broadcasting the dedication of the new cemetery live.

Continuing our series of diary extracts, here is what Francis Armstrong wrote on July 18, 1916 ;

No news of move today. Very quiet. Received word late this afternoon that move will take place tomorrow.

I have also tracked down another diary, that of Herbert Harris, 55th battalion. His entry for July 18 reads;

Am writing this not 100 yards from our guns which are shelling the Germs and they are sending them in wholesale, it's a wonder how anything can live under them when they blast. Am on munitions carrying, again it's a dangerous game, not knowing any minute when a shell will burst here. The big thing did not come off last night as expected. I don't know when it will.

 

July 17 – 2010
FROMELLES NEWS

There are lots of newspaper articles starting to appear ahead of Monday's reburial including this one and this one, which both discuss the stories of descendents reconnecting with their lost loved ones thanks to all the wonderful work that has been going on identifying them.

We continue our excerpts from Francis Armstrong's diary today with his entry for July 17;

Expected to leave last night to take part in big operations but postponed departure for some reason.

From tomorrow I have some additional diary entries I have unearthed recently from men who were at Fromelles.

 

July 16 – 2010
ALMOST TIME

In today's diary Francis Armstrong wrote:

Arrived at Bac St Maur at 3.30am this morning. Billeted in school grnds. Went out to view route tonight. Big attack by Australians in preparation. 

Of course we must remember that the battle was originally intended to take place earlier than the 19th.

 

July 15 – 2010
DIARIES

Yet another diary entry from Francis Armstrong written on July 15, 1916 :

Received word this morning that Tommies will relieve us tonight. Heavy bombardment by Germans tonight. 58 th Battln heavy casualties. Our Battln nil. 

Stay tuned over the coming days for more diary entries concerning Fromelles from various different (and some largely unknown) sources as well as some guest bloggers contributing to the site.

 

July 14 – 2010
BERROL MENDELSOHN

Tim Cook, who is writing the history of the 55th battalion alerted me to the following account written by Francis Armstrong concerning the death of Berrol Mendelsohn at Fromelles.

A friend of mine, Private A.E Rodda, received a communication from you , asking for particulars of the death of Lieut. B. Mendelsohn of this battalion and as I, perhaps better than anyone else can supply those particulars , I have undertaken to write to you and do so. 

Lieut. Mendelsohn was platoon commander of No. 3 Platoon and I was platoon sergeant of No. 4 Platoon. On July 19 th when I reached our trenches with my platoon, Lieut. Mendelsohn,by some chance separated form his own platoon, was near us. He immediately took command of those men near him and blowing his whistle led the way over the parapet towards the German trenches. 

When I reached the first German line of trenches I found that Lieut. Mendelsohn was not with us, but on reaching the second German line I found that he was already there. This was about 7pm on July 19. As soon as I reached this position Lieut. Mendelsohn gave the order to move along the trench and we occupied a portion of the trench previously unoccupied. 

At about 2am on July 20 th the Germans counter-attacked heavily and we stood to to withstand the attack. Lieut. Mendelsohn in command. At about 2:30am he was shot through the head standing alongside me, whilst urging his men on to greater effort. Death was instantaneous, I was myself wounded shortly after but have ascertained that Lieut. Mendelsohn's body was not removed from the trench and was probably buried by the Germans.

Armstrong kept a diary throughout his time at war and over the following days I will be showing what he wrote in the lead up to the battle of Fromelles.

His entry for today, July 14, reads; Germans been bombarding 58 th trenches this afternoon. Made things lively. No casualties on our side.

 

July 12 – 2010
THEIR NAMES

There's an excellent article from the Daily Mail concerning the whole process of identifying the dead of Fromelles, well worth a read when you have a spare moment.

 

July 11 - 2010
IGNATIUS NORRIS

The recent identifications at Fromelles confirmed that the body of Ignatius Norris had been discovered. As well as being the commanding officer of the 53rd battalion during the attacks he was a much loved man amongst both his soldiers and the people he left back home. He had also, sadly, just become a father with his wife waiting for him in London with their son. There is a stained glass window at St Ignatius College Riverview in Sydney dedicated to him and you can also read about him in the book To Give and Not To Count the Cost, which details St Ignatius old boys during WW1.

Also, if you are in the UK on August 7 there is a conference being held concerning Remembering Fromelles at which author Paul Cobb is going to be speaking. For event information and booking details please visit this website.

 

July 9 - 2010
CAPTURED IN TIME

I have updated the memorials with a new entry, that of Leslie Batten Hill, who served with the 56th Battalion during the battle of Fromelles.

In other news, I mentioned a few weeks ago that the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne will be holding an exhibition on Fromelles from July 10 until August 9. We have leant a few items from the Virtual Fromelles Museum to display in this exhibition so if you are in Melbourne during that time make sure you visit the Shrine.

 

July 8 - 2010
MORE DIGGERS IDENTIFIED

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July 4 – 2010
BORN TO BE A SOLDIER

July 19 isn't far away now and another book has appeared detailing the battle of Fromelles. While not solely dedicated to Fromelles, Born to Be A Soldier never the less contains a detailed description of what life was like in the trenches, both at Fromelles and elsewhere.

Taken from the diaries of John Gotch Ridley MC it is a riveting account of life as a soldier in World War One and well worth tracking down, it is available through the The Baptist Historical Society of NSW.

 

June 26 – 2010
FROMELLES BOOKS

With the new grave about to open in Fromelles we are about to get two new books published on Fromelles. One is by Australian Army Historian Roger Lee and the other from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission detailing the creation of the new graveyard. Both should be out in July so keep your eyes open.

Also, The Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne is hosting a special Fromelles exhibition in July and will be borrowing items from the Virtual Fromelles Museum . More details to follow.

 

June 15 – 2010
SITE UPDATES

I updated the memorial of George Craig with a new picture and that of Eric Hancock, fixing an official clerical error which lists his country of birth as England when it should, in fact, be Australia.

I have also been alerted to some more information concerning Francis Armstrong which I will update in the coming days. It provides an interesting insight into the battle of Fromelles.

 

June 8 - 2010
ISAIAH WILLIAM MILES

I have updated the memorial of Albert Williamson after getting some pictures of his parent's grave that commemorates their son.

I also uploaded the memorial for Isaiah William Miles who saw service at Fromelles with the 29th battalion before again enlisting to serve during WW2.

 

June 3 - 2010
REST IN PEACE

I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to Tim Whitford and his family on the passing of his grandmother, Marjorie Whitford.

It was a sample of Marjorie’s DNA that enabled the identification of her uncle, Pte Harry Willis, who was killed at Fromelles and was buried in the mass graves near Pheasant Wood.

“I am extremely happy that they have identified Harry,” said Marjorie in a newspaper interview earlier this year. “We never, ever forgot him and it was so awfully hard to grow up without him. I am so glad, so glad, they found him.”

May she rest in peace.

 

June 2 - 2010
STANLEY WILLIAM BLACK

I have uploaded the memorial for a soldier, Stanley William Black, who I first became interested in while looking at the impressive honour roll at the Redfern Town Hall.

 

June 1 - 2010
WATCH OVER ME

Have just uploaded the memorial for Jack Doherty, whose bible I recently obtained for the museum.

Also, I have updated the memorial of Frank Rupert Hewitt, after tracking down copies of the magazine he founded and edited while working in the Solomon Islands in the years after the war.

 

May 17 – 2010
GOING TO FROMELLES

If you are planning on visiting Fromelles in July this year you'd be well advised to read the information contained here. It contains everything you need to know about visiting and how to arrange your tickets.

Also, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission will be unveiling a new book called Remembering Fromelles on July 1 this year. The book is made up of photos and essays and will accompany an exhibition at the Imperial War Museum .

 

May 13 - 2010
MORE NAMES

Apologies for the lack of updates recently, I have been hard at work on another project to help commemorate our diggers. More on that soon. However, news was released over the weekend that 19 more Australian soldiers buried in the mass grave at Pheasant Wood have been identified. These men are:

3761 Private Raymond Charles Bishop, 55th Battalion
Lieutenant Eric Harding Chinner, 32nd Battalion
2006 Private George Croft, 30th Battalion
2010 Private Harry Croker, 30th Battalion
3047 Private Robert Arthur Dewar, 55th Battalion
4509 Private Laurence Harriott, 54th Battalion
188 Private Charles Henry Hawcroft, 30th Battalion
4807 Private David George Irvin, 54th Battalion
293 Private Hugh McLean, 32nd Battalion
269 Private Joseph Howard Nevill, 31st Battalion
2906 Lance Corporal George Pagan, 54th Battalion
320 Private Frederick Parry, 29th Battalion
3099 2nd Lieutenant Albert Ernest Pratt, 53rd Battalion
4614 Private Malcolm Spence, 30th Battalion
2898 Corporal Gregory Francis Stalgis, 14th Machine Gun Company
4885 Private Aime Verpillot, 53rd Battalion
4617 Private Joseph Patrick (AKA Wailes) Wallis, 54th Battalion
2910 Private Thomas Richard Webb, 60th Battalion
1314 Private Ernest Frank Wilkin, 29th Battalion

 

 

April 25 - 2010
ANZAC DAY

LEST WE FORGET.

 

April 18 – 2010
ALBERT WILLIAMSON

I was contact today by the grandson of Albert Williamson who provided some more photos of his grandfather for our memorial.

If you have photos of any of the soldiers featured on this site or would like your ancestor featured please get in touch.

 

April 15 - 2010
BENEATH HILL 60

I know it isn't strictly Fromelles related but Beneath Hill 60 is released in cinemas around the country today, so if you have a chance make sure you check it out. There is also a book available put together by Will Davies who was the man behind Somme Mud.

 

April 6 – 2010
CHARLES ARBLASTER

Paul Cobb, author of the wonderful book Fromelles, has written a memorial for the website on one of the unsung heroes of Fromelles, Charles Arblaster. Anyone familiar with the story of Fromelles will no doubt know of the exploits of this young man.

 

April 2 – 2010
SITE UPDATES

I was fortunate enough to secure an interesting piece for the museum this past week. A small wristwatch, it was presented to L.D Lobascher who was the secretary of the 32nd battalion association.

Presented in 1936, I also have a photo of members of the association taken in that year, including Lobascher wearing the watch.

In other news, the new issue of Antiques and Collectables magazine is on newsstands and contains an article I wrote about memorial devices given to the families of those killed.

 

MARCH 20 – 2010
THE MISSING REVEALED

As I mentioned the other day the list of those soldiers missing at Fromelles who have now been identified has been released to the public. To download the list, with pictures (where available) please click here.

In other news, the Royal Australian Mint will soon be releasing the above 20 cent coin, a long overdue tribute to the brave men of Fromelles. Keep your eyes peeled for this coin in the coming weeks as it becomes available.

 

March 16 – 2010
FROMELLES MISSING

Scientists have confirmed the identity of 75 of the Diggers buried in the mass graves in France . Families have been alerted and over the coming days the names of those soldiers will be released to the public.

What's interesting is that I have already heard from people whose ancestors were not amongst those believed to be buried at Fromelles (i.e they didn't have the German notifications in their service records) but who have been identified as being amongst the dead. The coming days will reveal more.

A reminder to any people who would like their ancestor commemorated on this website, please send in their name/number and I will try my best to get it completed.

 

March 10 – 2010
AT ANY AGE

Today I have uploaded the memorial of Cuthbert Williamson, a man who did not let his advanced age (46) get in the way of his desire to serve his country. Cuthbert paid a heavy price for this desire, losing his eye and a large amount of his mobility fighting at Fromelles. He now lies in an unmarked grave with his brother and sister.

I'd like to thank Tom Sweeney for his help with this memorial.

Lest We Forget.

 

March 6 – 2010
INGLIS MEMORIAL

I was recently contacted by a Mrs Elsie Teede, who passed on information about her father James Inglis, who fought at Fromelles with the 32nd battalion. While researching James I discovered that he had enlisted with his cousin, a revelation that came as news to Mrs Teede.

In other news, a history is being written of the 55th battalion, so if you have any information please get in touch and let us know and we can pass your information onto the author.

 

March 1 – 2010
ARTHUR TURNER

I have uploaded the memorial for Arthur Leslie Turner one of the Fromelles' missing whose grave I came across quite by accident at the Field of Mars Cemetery in Sydney .

The story of how I came across the plot is quite unusual. I had gone to the graveyard to visit the grave James Cairns and film it for our documentary. I needed a grave of parents that mentioned their son who had been killed at Fromelles and after much searching had learnt of the Cairns grave.

However the Cairns grave was too badly weathered to film. As I walked back towards my car, packing away the camera I was thinking I would have to travel to Melbourne , where several of these graves are known, to film this part of the documentary. However I had not walked a few meters when I saw a fallen headstone, written on the bottom were the words, Killed In France, a tingle went up my spine.

Speaking of the film, we recently had the fortune to speak to Gordon Maitland who offered a great deal on the reasoning behind many of the decisions made at Fromelles.

 

February 19 – 2010
SITE UPDATES

I have completed the memorial for George Craig, a young painter from Sydney who was killed at Fromelles with the 53rd battalion. Thank you to Gwen Nabbe for sending through the picture of his parent's headstone.

I have also added a memorial for Edward Biddles, somewhat of a mystery man he has proved harder to research than normal and I am still looking into his life. Stay tuned.

 

February 9 – 2010
SITE UPDATES

I had the good fortune to discover another picture of Frank Rupert Hewitt, which can be seen below, this was run in the Sydney Morning Herald after he won his Military Cross at Fromelles.

I have also uploaded some footage of the grave of Arthur Leslie Turner I found on the weekend. His memorial will be coming within the week.

 

 

February 7 - 2010
REMEMBER ME

Many of the families left behind had to come up with their own ways to memorialise the loved ones they lost at Fromelles. Whether this was a picture on the wall or a public honour board, these memorials were, for many, the only way they had of remembering those who wouldn't be coming home.

Another common practice was for parents to include the name of their son on their own headstone, like the grave of Annie and Robert Cairns. Their son James was killed at Fromelles fighting with the 53rd battalion and their grave in the Field of Mars cemetery bares his name. In a twist of fate a grave just a couple of plots away also memorialises a young man who was killed at Fromelles, Arthur Leslie Turner, who I will be profiling in the coming weeks.

James Cairns came from a military family, his grandfather was James Gorman VC.

 

February 2 - 2010
NEW GRAVEYARD

As I mentioned on the weekend, the first burials took place at the new Fromelles cemetery on the weekend. Author Paul Cobb was invited and has sent in the following pictures.

And finally a picture of VC Memorial on the same morning, looking out towards the Sugarloaf.

Thanks again Paul. Stay tuned over the coming days as I will be uploading more pictures from this morning.

 

January 31 – 2010
REBURIALS BEGIN

Today is a very important day in relation to the battle of Fromelles, for today the first reburial has taken place in the new graveyard at Fromelles. Over the coming weeks and months each of the soldiers who were buried at Pheasant Wood will be reburied with full military honours.

One of those men who will be reburied soon is Ernest Jentsch, who was killed fighting with the 53rd battalion.

Lest we forget.

 

January 28 - 2010
FINALLY FOUND

Albert Williamson's mother Cecilia never knew what happened to her son.

She knew he had gone missing at Fromelles, eventually receiving word that he had paid the ultimate price. However she never found out what actually happened to him. In 1919 she appeared in the paper, appealing for news of her son. Something, anything, so she could lay her son, at least spiritually, to rest.

Now, over 90 years later we know what happened to Albert and, when he is reburied at the new cemetery at Fromelles, his descendents will be able to do what his mother never could and visit his grave, paying their respects to this brave soldier who has finally been found.

 

January 22 – 2010
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

They peer out anxiously from behind dusty glass. Young, fresh-faced Australians, keen to do their part for King and country, knowing full well that they may never return.

Antique shops all over Australia are full of photos or portraits of our First World War Diggers. Whether they be a dog-eared postcard or a large portrait surrounded by an ornate frame, these pictures once took pride of place in the hearts and homes of families all around the country. They were a daily reminder of the son, brother, husband or father who was off on the other side of the world “doing their bit.”

Given the special sentimental value these pictures must have once held it seems a shame that so many of them are now just nameless photos, destined to be sold off for a few quid amongst a bunch of assorted postcards or simply for their frames. But it needn't be that way.

In a bid to ensure these unknown soldiers get the recognition they deserve I am about to launch a new site to run alongside this one. We Will Remember Them, will allow people to post photos of unknown soldiers online along with any clues they may have as to their identity in the hope that others may help them identify them.

A work in progress, I have put a brief teaser up online, click on the picture below to enter and please feel free to pass on your thoughts.

In other news I have managed to secure another item for the museum. The large British flag below (it was too large to get a proper photo of it) was souvenired off one of the troop ships (I believe the Beltana) by a member of the 55th battalion as he returned home.

One can only imagine the delight he must have had, waving it to the assembled crowd as they pulled back into port after so many years away from home.

 

January 21 – 2010
COLIN HOWATSON MEMORIAL

I have updated the collection with the story of Colin Howatson, a 33 year old labourer who was killed during the battle of Fromelles. Like many, his family had a memorial made up in his honour but like so many others were misinformed as to where he died, his memorial listing his death as having occurred at Pozieres.

 

January 19 - 2010
UPDATES

I got some more pictures from Robert Pike of our soldier's memorials in France and have updated the profile of RIchmond Ambrose Walsh with a picture of his name at VC Corner.

 

January 15 – 2010
BROTHERHOOD OF WAR

We have previously spoken about brothers who fought at Fromelles, our collection featuring the story of the McCoullough brothers, who both fought at part of the 30th battalion. One never to return.

Today we have another story, that of the Walsh brothers from South Australia , who were members of the 32nd battalion. We'd like to thank Lyn Sharp for sharing her story with us.

In other news, reburial of the soldiers recently discovered at Pheasant Wood begins on January 30. Each soldier will receive a military funeral and the burials will continue up until July 19 when the final burial will take place. The Commonwealth War Graves commission has produced a video which can be viewed here.

 

January 12 – 2010
UPDATES

The film is progressing well and we'd like to thank all of the people who have been sending in the stories, photos and notes about their ancestors, we really appreciate your contributions and feel they will help make July 19 a much richer film.

I spent the weekend in Kangaroo Valley NSW and while exploring the town came across the grave of Lance Corporal L.B Field, 30BN. Although he enlisted in 1915 his departure from Australian was delayed and as a result he was saved the horrors of Fromelles.

I also have some more soldiers reports to add to the collection so stay tuned over the coming days.

 

January 4 - 2010
WELCOME TO 2010

I hope everyone had a safe, happy and relaxing holiday season. Over the break we've been hard at work on the film and preparing some more memorials for the website, the first of these being Lionel Henry Levy.

I'd just like to thank everyone who has emailed us over the past few weeks with details of your relatives who fought at Fromelles. We really appreciate your help and rest assured we will try our best to memorialise your ancestors as soon as we can.

Others have emailed asking about our postal address. If you would like to mail us anything you can do so to the following address: PO Box 156 Leichhardt NSW 2040.

 

December 24 – 2009
CHRISTMAS

It's that time again and on behalf of myself and the rest of the team I would like to wish you all a safe and happy holiday season. While you're popping bonbons and unwrapping presents tomorrow, spare a thought for those soldiers overseas, away from their families.

We will be back in the new year with more soldier profiles and news on the film. So stay tuned.

I thought we would finish off with the picture below which shows troops in Egypt on December 25, 1915 , lining up to get Christmas presents.

 

December 23 – 2009
IF ONLY YOU COULD SPEAK

Even as historians, there is only so much information we can uncover. Unlike today, when it seems every single moment of our lives (no matter how mundane) is documented, videoed or captured in some way our ancestors didn't have this luxury (or hindrance) and so there are many things that have become ‘lost' over time.

When we pick up a medal, book, sword or uniform we may know a little about the person who owned it, but that's usually where the link ends. How many times have you stood there wishing whatever you were holding could talk? I imagine the tales these objects of yesteryear could tell would hold audiences spellbound for hours.

Today I had occasion to wonder that exact thing, sitting as I was mere moments ago, in the library chair of Gordon Akeroyd.

The opportunity to obtain Akeroyd's chair for the Virtual Fromelles Museum was one I could not afford to pass up. Not only had it belonged to Gordon Akeroyd, who led men at both Lone Pine and Fromelles, but it also has a very interesting story.

Given to Gordon by his brother Joseph, the chair was originally located in Melbourne 's famous (and infamous) Pentridge Prison, where Joseph was the warden for several years. When Gordon eventually moved to Sydney the chair came with him, ending up in his library.

If only it could talk!

 

December 22 – 2009
ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES

I updated the collection again with the story of Cecil Rault, a young English born farmer who was a member of the 58th battalion during the battle of Fromelles. Unlike many of his comrades in the 58th battalion, Rault managed to make it through the horrors of Fromelles largely unscathed.

We continued shooting for our film today, interviewing Patrick Lindsay. Patrick's book on Fromelles really helped to bring the battle to the public's attention, its emotive, evocative retelling of events making it accessible to every Australian. He has also recently released a book on Kokoda. Called Kokoda Spirit, it is a great Christmas present for the military enthusiast in your life (or even yourself!).

 

December 21 – 2009
MAKE ‘EM LAUGH

It would have been important for the many prisoners of war to keep their spirits up during the long cold months they were held. One of the main ways they did this was through performance. Today's addition to the collection, Albert Jones, seems to have thrown himself into that endeavour, even performing in London after his release.

I have also included some more photos for you; the first is a picture of the 30th battalion being inspected by the Governor General.

The second photo also features the 30th battalion, this time onboard the Beltana on their way to the Middle East .

 

December 20 – 2009
SITE UPDATES

An army marches on its stomach and so today's addition to the collection, Duncan Heselton, played a very important role in the AIF, his culinary prowess seeing him receive posting after posting. No doubt he was a welcome sight to many after a long hard day.

I have also updated the listing of David Irvin with a more complete photo (as seen above) thanks to Tim Lycett from the Fromelles Descendent Database.

Speaking of photos, I conducted some more camera testa today, shooting the newly reopened Hyde Park Memorial. If you are in Sydney , make sure you pay it a visit.

 

December 19 – 2009
THE FROMELLES PROJECT

We were honoured and delighted to be contacted by the Australian Army who have featured us on their Fromelles homepage. Thank you to Chloe and everyone who made this happen and hopefully we can continue to create a lasting memorial to the brave men of Fromelles. Lest we forget.

 

December 18 – 2009
NEW PHOTOS

As promised here are a couple of photos we have managed to track down for the film. These offer an interesting insight into the life of a soldier in the First AIF. The first shot is at the Ferry Post, a common stop for the men who ended up serving at Fromelles.

The second photo shows soldiers taking a rest while on the infamous desert march.

Finally we have members of the 30th battalion skylarking about while in Egypt.

Thanks to Ross St Claire for his help in getting hold of these fabulous images. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for some more images.

 

December 17 – 2009
DAVID IRVIN

Earlier this week I was speaking about the town of Bemboka and my research into the town's war memorial. I began by researching the first Fromelles related name I could find, that of David George Irvin, and soon discovered he is one of the missing, soon to be reburied in the new grave at Fromelles. In a strange twist of fate we were staying only a stone's throw from the farm where he grew up, which can be seen below.

In other news, if you are looking for a Christmas gift for a loved one, or even for yourself, why not have a look at The Poppy Umbrella. Newly arrived in Australia, proceeds from the sale of this umbrella will go to helping servicemen and women. A very worthy cause. You can find out more information here.

 

December 14 – 2009
BEMBOKA NSW

Jade and I were on vacation on the weekend near the small NSW town of Bemboka . A beautiful spot situated about 40 minutes from Bega.

Although small, the town and its surrounding areas contributed a great deal to both World Wars, a fact the town's modest war memorial made all too clear.

I'm still conducting research into the names I spotted listed there (there is about 25) but have already identified two 19th of July Men, David George Irvin who was killed at Fromelles as a member of the 54th battalion and Stanley William Black, who was taken prisoner at Fromelles while fighting with the 53rd.

In other news, I have recently obtained a copy of the fabulous book, To Give and Not To Count the Cost by James Rodgers. Focusing on the contribution St Ignatius' College Riverview made to the First World War, it details the 60 old boys who lost their lives during the fighting.

Wonderfully researched and very informative, it contains lots of great information and photos that are sure to interest many, even if you don't have a personal connection to the school. The book features two men who lost their lives at Fromelles, Ignatius Bertram Norris (pictured below) the commanding officer of the 53rd battalion during the attack, and John William Wall, who we discussed late last week.

Interestingly the debating award is named after Norris and there is a stained glass window, dedicated to him in the school's chapel.

If you would like to obtain a copy of the book you can download the order form here.

 

December 10 - 2009
JULY 19 PREVIEW

Anyone who saw us present at Ashfield RSL last month would have seen the short preview trailer we made to help promote our film. For those of you who were unable to make it we now have it online for you to see. Enjoy.

 

December 9 - 2009
RESEARCH

Anyone who is interested in researching WW1 servicemen and women has no doubt encountered Ancestry in their quest. Well, a press release landed in my inbox today that will give you even more reason to visit the site. Ancestry has now digitised and made available the Bavarian WWI Personnel Rosters, 1914-1918. This offers researchers a wealth of information, including the service details of Adolph Hitler.

I have been talking recently about memorials dedicated to soldiers who died at Fromelles and have been made aware of another, Douglass Square in the NSW town of Lawson . Named after John William Wall (Douglasss was his mother's maiden name and John sometimes went by the name Douglass-Wall) the square is in the centre of town (at the beginning of Honour Avenue ) and now contains the town's War Memorial (picture below from NSW memorials website).

 

December 7 – 2009
CAMERA TEST

The lovely weather on the weekend was the perfect excuse to conduct some camera tests on the new Canon 7D, one of the cameras we are considering using in France to make our documentary.

I took a couple of photographs at Middle Head in Sydney which is an interesting place in and of itself and well worth a visit if you're close, it has a real sense of history about it.

 

December 5 – 2009
JULY 19

Shooting has officially begun on our documentary, July 19. We were recently in Newcastle to speak with author Ross St. Claire, who wrote the history of the 54th battalion; Our Gift to the Empire. This wonderful book has a great chapter on Fromelles which offers readers an excellent overview of the battle from the perspective of the 14th brigade.

In other news, we have managed to secure more exclusive photos, some of which I will feature here on the blog in the coming days. So stay tuned.

 

December 1 – 2009
ROBERT BURNS

As part of my research into private Fromelles related memorials I recently contacted the wonderful people at The King's School in Parramatta , NSW.

I had been informed that Robert David Burns the son of the businessman and philanthropist Sir James Burns (whose family home became part of The King's School) had been killed at Fromelles and his father had erected a memorial to his honour in the family graveyard which now forms part of the school grounds.

A popular soldier, Lieutenant Robert Burns was a member of the 14th Machine Gun Company and was killed in the charge at Fromelles. Interesting to note, the memorial lists Robert as having died at Pozieres, something that was not uncommon at that time.

Thank you to The King's School archives, who graciously provided the photos attached to this post which will also be featured in our film.

 

November 29 – 2009
STAINED GLASS

I was talking about stained glass window memorials the other day and how they are one of the only public memorials available for those who were killed at Fromelles. Here in Sydney one of the more well-known ones is at Riverview (more on that in the coming weeks) but there's also one in Melbourne at Christ Church in Hawthorn.

Stained Glass Window - Photo by Paul Cobb

This window is dedicated to Geoff McCrae (60BN, KIA and MID at Fromelles) and was erected by his father in 1917. Paul Cobb pointed out that this must be one of the earliest war memorials erected in the country, a statement that is probably true. It's certainly one of the earliest Fromelles related ones.

Does anyone know of any more stained glass windows with a Fromelles connection? Please contact us.

Grave of Geoff McCrae - photo by Paul Cobb

Speaking of war memorials I found the picture below the other day (State Library NSW 03495) of the opening of the memorial in Hyde Park , Sydney . We won't get started on which battle honour is missing from inside (particularly damming considering the date it was opened – July 19) but it is an interesting insight into the importance these memorials used to play. I'm sure in the picture are many men and women who lost friends and family in the Great War. It's sad that today we do not view these memorials with the same significance, apart of course from Anzac Day and November 11, when they are the scene of large scale ceremonies.

In other news I added Eric Hancock to the collections part of the site.

 

November 27 - 2009
ANZAC MEMORIAL

You will have to excuse the lack of updates of late. I have been under the weather, but now that is behind me I can get back to updating you with what is happening with our film project and with the dig in Fromelles.

Australia 's most recent VC winner, Mark Donaldson VC recently paid a visit to the Fromelles battlefield and town museum ahead of the reinterment project which begins shortly under the watchful eye of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Speaking of which, they have quite an informative section of their website dedicated to Fromelles and what is happening there at the moment, including a rather poignant picture of a bible recovered from the dig.

I am also preparing to add some more profiles to our collection including that of Eric Floyd Hancock (pictured below), just a boy, he lost his life at Fromelles.

If you have ancestors who fought at Fromelles, please send us some information so we can feature them on the website as a lasting memorial to their service.

Finally, the beautiful Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, Sydney, has re-opened to the public after spending many months hidden beneath wooden cladding. If you are in town it is well worth a visit, and after paying your respects you can enjoy a walk through the park.

 

November 22 - 2009
POMPEY ELLIOTT

A discussion the other day got me thinking about Pompey Elliott and why, out of all of the leaders at Fromelles, he was such a captivating, inspirational and interesting figure.

Elliott's grave - photo by Paul Cobb

His leadership style and the leaders he surrounded himself with obviously played a big part but I think he was a man ahead of his time (a man of our time if you will) and that is one of the reasons he is still remembered so fondly today. In an era of stiff upper lips he was willing to wear his heart on his sleeve and one only needs to read his emotional letters to see this. This vulnerability makes him real, it makes him human and allows us an insight into what it must have been like for the soldiers around him.

There is a wealth of information printed on this very interesting man but you cannot go past Ross McMullin's extensive account of his life (above). The book covers all aspects of Elliott's life and is told in a way that makes this very human man even more real. Well worth reading. Stay tuned for a more in-depth look at the book in the coming weeks.

 

November 21 - 2009
FFFAIF SPEECH

As promised I have printed the speech we gave at Ashfield RSL last weekend, please stay tuned in the coming weeks as we will also be posting the short video trailer we presented.

Damian:

Members of the Family and Friends, First AIF,

Thank you for having us here today to discuss July 19 , a film we are making to pay long overdue tribute to the brave men who made the ultimate sacrifice on July 19, 1916 , during the battle of Fromelles.

We'd like to begin with a short presentation.

During times of war we rightly speak of the sacrifices made by those who bravely go ‘over the top' and battle it out with bayonet and bomb. However, in doing so we often overlook the sacrifices made by those left behind, sacrifices that are no less as difficult and no less as heroic.

I'm holding in my hand a comfort funds bag. It is simple in its construction, mere calico and twine, addressed in black ink to a soldier on the western front. That soldier, William Wilson, would have received this, a small present from home. Perhaps it contained biscuits, perhaps socks or postcards, we will never know, but what it did contain was the thanks of a grateful people for the service he was providing. He didn't need to go to war, he was 32 years old, a furnace repairer from South Australia , he was married and the father of six children. He didn't need to go to war, but he did.

William Wilson was killed at Fromelles and his body was never recovered and like so many others his family was left to carry on without ever truly knowing what had happened to him. And we're not just talking about what happened during the battle here, with the mistakes that were inherent in its planning and execution.

We're talking about a deeper, more personal level. These people left behind never knew what it was like for those men who stood in line, ready to make the ultimate sacrifice.

They never got the chance to hear about what happened from the soldiers themselves the only people truly qualified to speak of the horrors and triumphs of that day.

For as L.A Robb says in his introduction to There and Back : “This real atmosphere is so elusive and difficult to capture on the printed page. This is atmosphere which only the soldier knew and none other can ever create.”

Wanting to tell the story of Fromelles from the soldier's point of view is the reason why we wanted to make this film. We wanted to tell the story of Fromelles using the words of the men who were there. Sitting in this room today as members of the Friends and Family, First AIF we have an idea about the true horrors of Fromelles, but to the person in the street it doesn't resonate, it doesn't have significant meaning. It should.

Matt:

In 1915, my great uncle, Hector McCoullough enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force joining up on the same day as his best friends Charlie Mutch and Samuel Dickson. Labourers from Cootamundra they, like many others, were keen to do their part defending the Empire.

This desire ran deep in the McCoullough family and several months later, once he had come of age, Hector's brother Norman also enlisted. The brothers were reunited in Egypt but as fate would have it both found themselves members of the 30 th battalion.

Then, on July 19, 1916 , side by side, they stormed the German positions at Fromelles, Hector was never to return.

In the confusion after the battle conflicting reports came back about what had happened to him. But one report said Hector remained in the open with a wounded man until stretcher bearers could evacuate him. Perhaps this wounded soldier was his brother Norman, who was wounded in the stomach on that fateful day and Hector wouldn't leave his brother's side until he was sure he was safe, a selfless act which cost Hector his life, but no doubt saved Norman 's.

We want to create a lasting memorial to these brave men, men like my great uncles Hector and Norman and all of the others who took part. We want to give them the recognition they so rightly deserve.

Whether it be seen by school children or military historians we hope July 19 and its website, the Virtual Fromelles Museum , paints a lasting picture that will ensure these men take their rightful place in this grateful nation's conscious.

We also feel it important to point out that although the recent developments at Pheasant's Wood are important to us, it is only a small chapter of a much larger story and it is this larger story that we are concentrating on with July 19.

Thank you.

 

November 20 – 2009
FILM UPDATES

We were delighted to learn yesterday that July 19 has been accepted by Documentary Australia and so now any donations made to help fund the film are 100% tax deductible.

On the weekend we also secured an exclusive photograph of the aftermath of the battle of Fromelles that has never been seen before. We would love to post it here for you to study but due to its graphic content and its rarity we are going to hold off on posting it until after the film.

 

November 19 - 2009
WEBSITE UPDATES

Regular visitors to the site would have noticed some changes to the website. Our designer has been hard at work implementing these so that we can help preserve the memory of the brave diggers of Fromelles.

The main two changes are the introduction of the film section, where you can get information on the film we are making about Fromelles, and the Remember Your Ancestor section where we encourage you to send us stories of your ancestors who may have fought at Fromelles.

We'd also like to thank everyone from FFFAIF for their help and hospitality at Ashfield RSL on the weekend. We will be reproducing our speech in the coming days.

 

November 13 - 2009
FROMELLES 1916

I got some nice feedback after I posted that image of Fromelles the other day so have included another below for your study.

I have also been reading a wonderful book some of you may have seen called Fromelles 1916 by Paul Cobb. An account of the battle taking in both the English and Australian perspectives it is one of the more balanced and interesting histories of Fromelles I have read and certainly one worth looking into if you are only just learning about the battle and what happened. WIth great style he puts the reader 'there' and also quotes sources not often seen, adding a fresh perspective to proceedings and giving people who may already be very familiar with the battle something different. All round a highly recommended book.

I will be updating the shop section of this site soon where I will discuss the book in more detail but until then have included the cover below.

 

November 12 - 2009
JULY 19

This Sunday at the Ashfield RSL we will be conducting a brief presentation and speech about our documentary JULY 19 for members of the FFFAIF. I will reproduce the speech on this website next week for those unable to attend but encourage those able to, to do so.

An auction house in Sydney is auctioning off a diary this weekend which contains an interesting reflection on the battle of Fromelles from a soldier who was there as a member of the 55th Battalion. They have kindly provided a transcript on their website for those who are interested.

 

November 11 - 2009
REMEMBRANCE DAY

Around the country we will pause today at 11am to remember those who have fought and died for us. So, wherever you are, whatever you're doing, don't forget to take a moment to reflect on these sacrifices. Lest We Forget.

 

Novermber 9 - 2009
THE MCCOULLOUGHS

I updated the collection with the story of the McCoullough brothers who were both part of the 30th Battalion during the battle of Fromelles.

Below is a postcard of Fromelles I obtained recently, people who have visited the town will recognise that many of the places depicted are still there.

Finally, regular visitors to the site will notice some changes over the next few days. Stay tuned for more information, including a special preview trailer of the Fromelles documentary we are producing.

 

November 8 - 2009
85 OF THE MISSING

The Sydney Morning Herald has done a great little piece showing the faces of 85 of the men buried in the mass grave at Fromelles. You can see it here. While we're on the subject of the missing, don't forget SBS is showing a documentary on this subject tonight at 8:30pm (it's repeated on Monday at 7:30pm on SBS TWO)

The dig is finished and construction is already well under way on the graveyard at Fromelles. You can see picture of its construction as well as the creation of the new headstones, here.

 

October 19 - 2009
AKEROYD PHOTOS

I found out today that the museum is going to be included in the National Library's Pandora Archive, which was wonderful news and I thank all those who nominated us.

I've also had a chance to scan in the three drawings held in the museum featuring Gordon Akeroyd. These were drawn by a member of the 60th BN who was sadly killed in 1917, the same year the drawings were completed.

"What is the meaning of this orderly? There's a pin in the lines."

An (H)air raid at Hurdcott

 

October 7 - 2009
THE DIG NEARS ITS END

Being a writer it was particularly poignant for me to see the below picture released by the Australian Army's Fromelles Project. Looking at it one can't help but imagine the stories it told as well as all those it still had left to tell.

In other news from the dig;

Oxford Archaeology reached another milestone this week with the completion of detailed analysis of all 250 sets of remains. The remains are now being organised according to grave number, layer number and adjacent individuals, using the excavation survey data. This sequencing replicates the relationships of each of the sets of remains as they were buried at Pheasant Wood in 1916, and is an initial preparation for the reburials that will take place from 30 January 2010 .

 

October 5 - 2009
UPDATES

I have added two more profiles to the collection area of the site, those of Norman Halton and Alfred Cordin. Stay tuned over the coming days for more updates on both the film and Fromelles.

 

September 20 - 2009
BOOKS & NEWS

I just updated the shop section and will add more pictures soon. The museum also just got a signed copy of Ellis' History of the 5th Division which I will feature once I have had a chance to photograph it properly.

Plans for the film are coming together well and we ask that anyone who has letters/diaries or accounts of the battle to please send them in to us.

I have also added some links to other Fromelles related sites to the about pages.

 

September 13 - 2009
LESLIE CHARLES BROWN

Robert Pike sent me an image of the Villers-Bretonneux memorial where Leslie Charles Brown is remembered so I added it to his collection page.

 

September 9 - 2009
UPDATING THE SHOP

I have begun to update the shop, adding in the first of a series of books you can buy about Fromelles and the men who fought there. Over the coming week or so I aim to get this section complete. Stay tuned.

 

September 7 - 2009
MORE SITE DEVELOPMENTS

I just added the story of Charles Clark, a school teacher from Victoria who despite being in his 40s still enlisted in the AIF to do his part. The problems with the contact form have also been fixed so now you can get in touch.

 

September 6 - 2009
ANOTHER COLLECTION ADDED

Just had time to add up the story of Thomas Kerr MC. It's his map of Fromelles you can see in the top images on some of the pages. Also got my copy of the 2nd edition of Don't Forget Me Cobber, which is probably the best book written about Fromelles you can find.

 

Septemer 3 - 2009
NEW COLLECTIONS

Have added the collections of two more soldiers to the collections page, those of Gordon WIlliam Akeroyd and George Frederick Taylor. Will be adding more over the coming days. Also, am about to finish up the shop and donate/contact section

 

September 1 - 2009
THE MUSEUM "OPENS" IT'S DOORS

Welcome, to the Fromelles museum, my virtual tribute to the brave men of the First AIF who answered the call on July 19, 1916.