Fromelles Day Sydney Saturday 19 July 2025: Commemorative Procession from the Archibald Fountain to the Anzac Memorial and Commemorative Service
[Caveat: This report is currently a work in progress, posted to provide you with a comprehensive account of the commemorative activities in Sydney at the earliest possible date. It contains many small images of the the commemorative activities that can be downloaded. This report will be enhanced over the next week or two to enable most of the images to expand to fill your screen and so see much of the detail. Please revisit in August to see the enhanced posting. Some formatting needs realignment and references to image file names will be removed when coding to enable expansion of images is completed.
While many images have been used to give a comprehensive account of the commemorative activities in Sydney, not all of images included were captured (at a satisfactory resolution) during the 2025 commemoration and some images from previous commemorations have been re-used e.g. images of the 5th Division wreath stand and some of the images in the Gallery of Thanks.]
A copy of this Fromelles Day Sydney 19 July 2025 Commemorative Procession and Commemoration Souvenir is available for downloading by clicking on this link.
Commemorative Procession from the Archibald Fountain to the Anzac Memorial
The Battle of Fromelles in northern France on 19-20 July 2016 was the first battle involving Australian troops on the Western Front following the withdrawal from Gallipoli. It was a tragic disaster, with more than 2,160 Australian soldiers killed or died of wounds in their first 2 weeks of arrival, including 96 in the lead up to the battle, 1,815 killed during the 16-hour battle and during clearing the casualties from the battlefield, and 299 who died of wounds after the battle. In addition, there were 3,383 Australian soldiers wounded and 482 taken prisoner (6 of whom died of causes not related to the battle), totalling 5,533 casualties. 814 British soldiers were killed or died of wounds at, or because of, the Battle of Fromelles. The British High Command described these 2,964 deaths as occurring during an “important raid” in which 140 prisoners were captured. German casualties were 469 killed and 978 wounded and 204 missing. Australian casualties included the 250 men buried by the Germans after the battle whose graves were located in 2008, and were exhumed in 2009 and in 2010 were reinterred in the new Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery. 180 of these soldiers have now been identified by archaeological and anthropological analysis as well as DNA matching with relatives and now have their named headstone.
The Families and Friends of the First AIF in conjunction with the Trustees of the Anzac Memorial, hosted the Commemoration of the 109th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles at The Anzac Memorial Hyde Park, Sydney on Saturday 19th July 2025. Although the Commemoration was in the post- COVID19 pandemic period, and there were no NSW Government’s Public Health restrictions on events such as the Commemorative Procession and Commemoration, an abundance of caution was incorporated in the planning arrangements and personal responsibility was promoted. The 2025 Fromelles commemoration service was held in glorious weather and with an attendance of about 60 invited guests including dignitaries, the relatives of the men who served in the battle, and representatives of Remembrance and Veterans’ groups.
The Commemorative Procession assembles and is briefed at the Archibald Fountain.
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The Commemorative Procession leaving the Archibald Fountain.
All images are by Michael Mannington for Community Photography unless otherwise acknowledged
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The service was preceded by the Commemorative Procession in fine weather from the Archibald Memorial Fountain, that commemorates the association of Australia and France in The Great War, to the steps of the Anzac Memorial, re-enacting the 1966 final parade of the veterans of the 5th Division on the 50th anniversary of the Battle. Led by three flag-bearers carrying the Australian National Flag the French national Tricolour and a replica 55th Battalion King’s Colour, the procession of 43 men and women made the 400-metre walk through Hyde Park, representing the crossing of “no man’s land” during the battle, to enter the Memorial and assemble in the Auditorium.
The Australian flag was carried by SGT Aaron Drover of 8th Brigade, the French flag by Bernard Fortin, a returned French veteran of the Algerian War, and the replica King’s Colour by Braith Gallard, a member of the 55th/53rd Battalion Association. Able Seaman Dane Connor, drummer of the Royal Australian Navy Band-Sydney beat the pace for the Commemorative procession.
The Commemorative Procession in Hyde Park North and crossing Park Street
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Permission was obtained from the City of Sydney and NSW Police for the Commemorative Procession with physical distancing requested of participants. The Procession was then escorted by NSW Police Officers to the Anzac Memorial.
The Commemorative Procession re-enacted the final Parade of the veterans of the 5th Division on the 50th anniversary of the Battle marching to the ANZAC Memorial to request that the Trustees of the Anzac Memorial always remember their service and the sacrifice of their comrades on 19 July. A record of the Parade and Ceremony held in Hyde Park on 19 July 1966 is at Annexure C.
The Commemorative Procession crossing Park Street and entering Hyde Park South
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The Commemorative Procession approaching the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park – Image by Sharon Horsnell
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Flag Ensigns M. Bernard Fortin, French War Veterans, Colour Bearer Braith Gallard of the 55/53Bn Association and SGT Aaron Drover of 8th Bde at the head of the Commemorative Procession passing the Pool of Reflection
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Civic Dignitaries and Consular representatives as well as representatives of ex-service and descendant organisations participated in the Commemorative Procession.
Participants in the Commemorative Procession included:
Australian National Flag bearer SGT Aaron Drover of 8th Bde.
French National Flag bearer Bernard Fortin, representing the Association des Anciens Combatants Francais de Nouvelle Galles du Sud (French Veterans Association of New South Wales).
55Bn King’s Colours Bearer Braith Gallard of the 55/53Bn Association.
Royal Australian Navy Band-Sydney Drummer, Able Seaman Dane Connor.
M. Guillaume Dabouis, Deputy Head of Mission, for the Embassy of France in Australia.
Mr. Gary Thompson, Regional Security Advisor, representing Ms Louise Cantillon, British Consul-General for the United Kingdom and Mrs Tracey Thompson-Wright.
BRIG Robert Calhoun DSC, Chief of Staff, representing MAJGEN Matt Burr AM and the 2nd Australian Division.
MAJ Keith Lawton representing, Brigadier Arran Hassell, Commander 8th Brigade.
MAJ Alistair Chilcott, Staff Officer to the Chief of Staff, 2nd Australian Division.
MAJ David Wilson, Fromelles Project Officer, representing Dr Aaron Pegram, Manager, Unrecovered War Casualties – Army.
Mr Phillip Chin, Director, The Returned and Services League of Australia NSW Branch.
Rev. Keith Walker, Chaplain, RSL Lifecare, ANZAC Village, Narrabeen.
Ms Jennifer Rose and Ms Biljana Erak, representing Ms Sonia Gregory, Department of Veterans’ Affairs Deputy Commissioner NSW & ACT.
Howard Collins OBE, Coordinator General, Transport for NSW (52 NSW railway and tramway men died at Fromelles).
Jean Louis Worobec, President, representing the Association des Anciens Combatants Francais de Nouvelle Galles du Sud (French War Veterans of NSW).
COL. Kim Turner RFD (Rtd), President, The Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies NSW;
Peter Allen, Coordinator, Operation Jacob, representing NSW Association of Jewish Service and Ex-Service Men & Women (NAJEX) with Mrs Gloria Allen.
Ms Karen Dawson, Treasurer and Mrs Arline Ronsisvalle, Secretary (honouring Pte Albert JONES 55Bn, POW Fromelles) representing Australian World War One Descendants (AWWOD).
(AWWOD).
Sharon and Geoff Horsnell, and granddaughter Gypsy Rigatos, honouring Pte Frederick DYSON (KIA Fromelles) and his brothers.
Annette Tebb, descendant of Ernest JENTSCH, 53Bn, KIA Fromelles.
Julie Searant, honouring her great uncles Lt James MURRAY (MBE) 55Bn & Lt Aubrey MURRAY (MC) 35Bn and Grandfather Sgt Harold MURRAY 30Bn;
Lorraine Henshaw, FFFAIF member honouring her relative.
Kristi-Ann Kane and Bruce Redman honouring Frederick A FULLER 53Bn (KIA Fromelles).
Dallas and Mihoko Harrison, honouring 5th Division brothers 2118 Ben (Alexander) SHAW MM 53Bn, 2219 David SHAW 54Bn (KIA April 1918) and 2220 Malcolm Henry SHAW 54th Bn.
Peter Dowling, Secretary, 55/53Bn Association.
Margaret Perry, whose father was a Warrant Officer and Bn Sgt Major in the 53/55Bn.
Carole Matthews, a member of the 55/53Bn Association.
Raelene Mills, a member of the 55/53Bn Association.
Jim Smith AFSM, Secretary, Fromelles Association of Australia.
Jim Munro, FFFAIF Committee Member honouring Lt Stuart MUNRO 55Bn (KIA Fromelles) and Pte Alex LAURIE 30Bn (KIA Fromelles).
Jill Hayes, FFFAIF Committee Member.
John Skene, FFFAIF Committee Member, honouring Cpl John Ernest SKENE, 30Bn RTA.
Ms Ann Kelly, honouring Cpl John Ernest SKENE, 30Bn RTA.
FFFAIF Marshall Lt. Col. Paul Simadas RFD (also FFFAIF Vice President and Co-Chair Australian Branch of the Western Front Association).
Close protection for the procession was provided by Snr. Const Loreto and Snr. Const Salman of the Public Order & Events Planning Unit at The Rocks Police Station.
The Commemorative Procession on the Anzac Memorial steps
Image of Fromelles Day Sydney Procession participants by Paul Simadas
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The Fromelles Commemorative Procession passed the Pool of Reflection on their way to the Anzac Memorial
Sources: 55/53 Battalion (Mice of Moresby) Facebook page, FFFAIF and Community Photography
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The Procession was greeted at the Anzac Memorial by:
Margaret Snodgrass OAM, FFFAIF Committee Member;
Chris Bryett, FFFAIF Committee Member, and
Master of Ceremonies, Darren Mitchell with
Piper Jim Braid, NSW Scottish Regimental Association Pipes and Drums, for Sgt James DODD 53Bn and Pte Downie DODD 55Bn KIA Fromelles.
Also at the Anzac Memorial:
Harry Allie BEM AM, Chair of the NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans Commemoration Service Committee;
Bugler, Terry McCleary, Fire & Rescue NSW Band, for Capt. Gunter 54Bn;
WO1 Darryl Holzhauser, Regimental Sergeant Major, Joint Ceremonial NSW of the Australian Army; and
Fire + Rescue NSW Vocalist Carolynne Szady and her accompanist Graeme Press.
Queen Dunbar, President, Families of Veterans Guild, formerly Australian War Widows NSW, and
Andrew Dunlop, FFFAIF Member, honouring the VARLEY brothers, and
Ann Asciak (AWWOD), honouring Pte George Edward BONNEY, 32nd Bn, KIA at Fromelles with no known grave.
With media coverage by:
Photographer Mike Mannington, Community Photography
Special thanks go to the Procession Marshall, Lt. Col. Paul Simadas RFD, and the NSW Police and City of Sydney Events Team that ensured the security for the Procession and safe passage across Park Street.
Commemorative Service for the 109th Anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles
The Commemorative Service was held in the Anzac Memorial Auditorium on the 93rd anniversary of the official dedication of its two foundation stones in 1932 by Sir Phillip Game, the Governor of NSW and Bertram Stevens, then Premier of New South Wales. Over 15,000 people assembled to witness the dedication of the stones bearing the words “A soldier set this stone” and “A citizen set this stone”. This date was also the 16th anniversary of the first battle on the Western Front involving Australian troops at Fromelles.
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Fire + Rescue Musician Graeme Press played gathering music as a prelude to the Commemorative Service
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The Flag party led the Participants to the Auditorium and formed up outside the Auditorium to await the to make a formal entry to the Auditorium and placed their flags in a flag stand and the Commemoration Service commenced.
Australian National Flag bearer SGT Aaron Drover, King’s Colours Bearer Braith Gallard of the 55/53Bn Association and French National Flag bearer Bernard Fortin entered the Auditorium and placed the Australian and French National flags and the 55Bn King’s Colours (replica) in the flag stand for the salute to commence the commemoration service.
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Vocalist Firefighter Carolynne Szady leads O Valiant Hearts
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The Commemoration greatly benefited by the presence of Firefighter Carolynne Szady and her accompanist Graeme Press. Carolynne is an operational Firefighter who is opera-trained and proficient at singing the French National Anthem in French and the bi-lingual New Zealand National Anthem in addition to the other hymns and National Anthems in the Order of Service.
Master of Ceremonies, and FFFAIF Member, Darren Mitchell welcomed guests to the Anzac Memorial.
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Darren then read a Vice Regal Message from Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. A copy of this message is at Annexure A and a copy of the Order of Service is at Annexure B.
Acknowledgement of Country
Harry Allie BEM AM, Chair of the NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans Commemoration Service Committee led an Acknowledgement of Country on behalf of Aboriginal elders.
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Harry conveyed that this site where the Anzac Memorial has been a meeting place for centuries past as it is at present and referred to the contribution of the indigenous Diggers to this country and its heritage and values.
Rev. Keith Walker, Chaplain, at RSL lifecare ANZAC Village Narrabeen led a prayer remembering the soldiers killed, wounded or taken prisoner and those changed by their experiences in the battle and their families and giving thanks that some of those soldiers who were “lost” have now been found and those did not have a final resting place and now do.
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Vocalist Firefighter Carolynne Szadey then led the singing of Abide with Me.
Fire + Rescue NSW Vocalist Firefighter Carolynne Szadey leads Abide With Me
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A Family Reflection: Fred Dyson by Sharon Horsnell
Sharon Horsnell, assisted by husband Geoff, delivered the Family Reflection for her Great Uncle, Pte. Frederick Dyson of the 54th Battalion, who was killed during the Battle of Fromelles, his first and only battle experience.
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Private Frederick Arthur Dyson, from Lovelock Creek, Sherwood, near Kempsey in New South Wales, was the first soldier to be reburied at the new Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery in Fromelles in France, January 2010—nearly 94 years after his death. DNA from Sharon’s father Don Dyson confirmed Fred had been found, bringing long-awaited closure and mixed emotions of pride and sorrow to his descendants.
Fred was the 4th of 6 sons with an elder step-sister and the youngest child being his sister, in a farming family.
Fred and his brother Bert enlisted at Holsworthy on 5 November 1915 and were appointed to 8th Reinforcements of 18th Bn on 3 December. Elder brother William enlisted in the Light Horse 2 months later at Liverpool.
Source: Macleay River Historical Society Journal 181, August 2010, Author: Phillip Lee
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After a brief period of training they had leave at home and were given a farewell by local residents on 13 December 1915 and embarked on the HMAT A60 Aeneas for Egypt, five days before Christmas 1915.
On arriving in Egypt training of the new recruits began, though Fred and Bert joined many other soldiers coming down with the mumps in early March. By the end of March the brothers were separated… Bert sent to France and Fred remained in Egypt and transferred to the newly formed 54th Battalion, in the 14th Brigade of the new 5th Division.
The 54th Battalion left Alexandria on 19th June 1916 and disembarked in Marseille on 29th June 1916.
The Battalion was soon in the trenches and fought its first major Battle at Fromelles on the night of 19-20th July.
Battle of Fromelles 19 July 1916 – Position of troops
Source: Mike Senior, Fromelles, 19/20 July 1916 – A Success After All?, pp 33-36,
Stand To: The Journal of the Western Front Association, Number 83, August / September 2008,
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The 14th Brigade, including Fred, crossed the 150-250 yards of no-man’s land and quickly took the first German trench. However, elsewhere the attack was failing.
Fred was reported missing 19-20th July 1916. His name was among the 494 soldiers reported as “missing” in the 14th Brigade Diary for July 1915 and 2,251 missing for the 5th Division.
Nothing further was known until his name appeared on the German death list dated 4 November 1916 and his identification disc returned by the Germans. This news was passed to the family by the Red Cross with the letter published in the local newspaper on 21 March 1917.
In May 1917, a court of inquiry made a formal finding that Fred had been killed in action on 19-20 July 1916. But Fred had no known grave and he was to remain missing for almost a century.
Fred and brother Berts’ names also appear on the Corangula Public School Honor Roll unveiled in December 1917.
Corangula Public School Honor Roll
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On 12 November 1919 (one year after the Armistice) Mrs Dyson was asked to unveil the Sherwood Public School and District Great War Honour Roll that listed the three Dyson brothers, Fred, Bert and Bill, (and their cousins) as Mr and Mrs Dyson “had given so much for their country” with three sons at the front, two were killed. Source Macleay Argus, 14 Nov 1919, page 5
Sherwood Public School and District Great War Honour Roll
with the names of the three Dyson brothers and two cousins
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That is most likely how Fred Dyson’s death during the Great War would have been remembered, however, a most unexpected turn of events changed history.
Fromelles – The view from the Cobber’s Statue across the battlefield where Fred Dyson was killed.
Fromelles Pheasant Wood – Lambis Englezos visits and talks to the soldiers – “You will never walk alone” (April 2008)
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The story of Lambis Englezos calculating that the number of Australian graves at Fromelles was significantly less that the number of Australian soldiers killed in the battle has been told in Patrick Lindsay’s 2007 book Fromelles and other books.
The research and advocacy by Lambis and his supporters saw a series of German burial pits located and scientifically examined in 2007 and 2008. Several Australian rising sun badges and other artefacts indicated that Australian soldiers had been in the vicinity, which was well behind the old German lines. In August 2008, the British and Australian Governments jointly agreed to attempt DNA extraction from the remains of those First World War soldiers buried at Pheasant Wood, Fromelles. The Australian Army commenced attempting to locate current living relatives for each of the First Australian Imperial Force soldiers believed to be buried at Pheasant Wood. See: DNA testing approved. | Families and Friends of the First AIF
To help identify which soldiers might have been buried by the Germans, the Australian Army convened a “historians roundtable” in Canberra in November 2008. From this came a “working list” of soldiers names that has helped in the search for relatives for DNA matching.
On Fred’s Service Record and Australian Red Cross Wounded and Missing file there are documents indicating that Fred’s name appeared on German Death list dated 4-11-16 and his identity discs were received 16.7.19 (3 yrs after the battle). There are also six different German Death vouchers recording Fred’s death and burial by German soldiers following the Battle.
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The research and advocacy by Lambis and his supporters, had Fred’s name included on the working list.
The Dyson family was contacted by Army in mid 2009 for a potential DNA donor and were asked to submit a family tree. Sharon’s father Don donated his DNA, as his father was Fred’s younger brother George.
The exhumation process commenced 3rd May 2009. Anthropological study of the soldier’s remains and DNA sampling was undertaken and reburials in the new Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery commenced with full military honours on 30 January 2010. The reburial of the first soldier received world-wide coverage, but his identity was not known at this time.
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Fred Dyson’s Military Funeral 30 January 2010
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The reburials of all but one of the 250 soldiers exhumed from near Pheasant Wood was completed in mid February and the Joint Identification Board met in early March 2010 and on Wednesday 17 March a list of 75 Australian soldiers whose remains were recovered from the burial pits at Pheasant Wood and whose identities have been established by the Fromelles Joint Identification Board was released. Fred Dyson was one of those soldiers.
Sharon and her sister, Julie, travelled to Fromelles to attend the final reburial and Cemetery dedication ceremony in 2010 to honour their great-uncle Fred, while thinking of his parents.
Sharon shared some of her experiences:
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Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery dedication ceremony and
the final reburial of an unknown soldier, 19 July 2010
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We had requested a minister and the chaplain said “I hope you don’t mind, I’m C of E”, we said “so was Fred”.
Then two young soldiers came to Fred’s grave and introduced themselves. A book, The Battle of Fromelles 1916 was handed out on the day and they turned to the Epilogue page and said that was Fred and they were his pallbearers in January.
This was when we learnt that Fred was the first soldier buried at Fromelles.
Pte. Christopher Collins wondered who they were carrying. When shown Fred’s photo, they paused and reflected, “Fred was younger than us”.
I asked the soldiers and the chaplain to sign the page on my copy of the book – now a family treasure.
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Sisters Sharon and Julie at the grave of their great-uncle Fred Dyson
A group from the Family and Friends of the First AIF also approached us. A member of their party had been hospitalised and asked them to put a stone into my hands to put on Fred’s headstone. The inscription ‘A Macleay River Stone to Rest with you so Far from Home’ Salmond Family. This was done with pride and reverence.
Fred had been remembered by the Salmond family, whose 2 sons were listed on the Sherwood Public School and District Great War Honour Roll with Fred and Bert, and their daughter Catherine had married Fred’s eldest brother, Styles.
Fred’s elder brother Styles and Catherine named two of their sons after Fred and Bert.
Geoff Cuckson, a family member of another Fromelles soldier, was very moved at the sight of the stone on Fred’s headstone. He had discovered another great-uncle, John Ernest Cuckson, known as Ernie Hand, had been adopted by the Hand family in Kempsey, and had grown up with Fred Dyson on the Macleay River.
Bert was killed in Belgium in September 1917. Hopes remain for his identification. Dad gave permission in 2017 for his DNA to be reused and provided another DNA sample. Mitochondrial DNA was provided by Carol Smallman.
Streets have been named after the boys, Frederick Dyson Place in Yarravel, and Bert Dyson Place in Kempsey.
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Fred Dyson is remembered by his family, who honour his memory each year in the Fromelles Day Commemoration.
The Dyson family’s journey to reclaim Fred’s story reflects broader efforts to identify and honour soldiers lost in WWI. Their story has been preserved in historical journals and the 2021 book Macleay Fallen by Philip Lee. Lest We Forget.
Rev. Keith Walker, Chaplain, led a Prayer and Blessing.
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A Message from France
Mr Guillaume Dabouis, Deputy Head of Mission, at the French Embassy in Australia delivered a Message from France, expressing appreciation for Australian support during and since The Great War and continuing today.
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He spoke of the importance of memorialisation in the national identity and how the commemoration of Anzac Day and Remembrance Day and now the Battle of Fromelles in Australia had deeply impressed him. He was particularly impressed with how this appeared to be a consistent value embedded throughout the multi-cultural society of Australia.
The Epilogue
Jim Smith AFSM, Secretary of the Fromelles Association provided the Epilogue.
Jim thanked all those who had assisted in organising the Commemoration and thanked all those who participated.
Jim also thanked all of those who had helped in the researching of soldiers killed in Battle of Fromelles, those who had donated DNA to help in the identification of soldiers and the scientists, the team at Unrecovered War Casualties – Army and others, in the restoring the identities to some of the soldiers who previously had no known gave.
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Jim concluded that honouring all of the men involved in the battle of Fromelles and the 5th Division, and appreciating the impact on their families, has helped bring closure and comfort to many families whose lives had been impacted through the generations. Jim invited all participating in this Commemoration to reconvene on 19 July next year, and each year, as we remember the service and sacrifice of the soldiers of the 5th Division and their families. Lest we Forget.
The singing of the National Anthems of France, New Zealand and the United Kingdom was led by The Fire + Rescue NSW Vocalist Firefighter Carolynne Szadey accompanied by Graeme Press.
The Fire + Rescue NSW Vocalist Firefighter Carolynne Szadey led the singing of the National Anthems of France, New Zealand and The United Kingdom
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Carolynne then sang The Recessional to close the Service in the Auditorium as participants passed beneath the Ocular as they moved through the Hall of Service and into the Hall of Memory.
The Hall of Memory viewed through the Ocular above the Hall of Service and the sculpture Sacrifice.
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Wreath laying, Casting Commemorative Stars and the Last Post Ceremony
Laying the wreath for the 5th Division
In 1966, more than 500 veterans of the 5th Division marked the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles with a Parade from the Archibald Fountain and joined about 300 people unable to march at the Ceremony by the Pool of Reflection at the Anzac Memorial. It was the last Parade for the veterans. (See Annexure Fromelles 50th Anniversary – A record of the Parade and Ceremony held in Hyde Park on 19 July 1966 and Extract from Reveille May 1966 and September 1966).
The Parade carried their request to the Trustees of the Anzac Memorial to always remember on 19 July 1916 their 8,100 comrades Killed in Action during the First World War and those who had died since.
The Trustees agreed to this and each year the 5th Division AIF Wreath Stand has been brought out to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle at Fromelles, usually the 19th July each year and usually in the France and Belgium niche (there have been some variations as the Commemoration has grown and when COVID restrictions were in place).
In acknowledgement of the commitment made in 1966 the Trustees of the Anzac Memorial to honour the men of the Fifth Division AIF and the Battle of Fromelles, a wreath was laid by BRIG Robert Calhoun DSC representing Major General Matt Burr AM, Commander Second Australian Division and MAJ Keith Lawton representing, Brigadier Arran Hassell, Commander 8th Brigade.
The wreath in tribute to the 5th Division AIF.
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2025 07 19 11 53 01- Fromelles SYD_8076 MAJ Lawton & BRIG Calhoun lay the wreathtribute to the 5th Div.jpg width=”377″ height=”300″
Commemorative Wreath laying in Hall of Memory
Piper Jim Braid, NSW Scottish Regimental Association Pipes and Drums, took up his position to play a Lament during the wreath-laying. Jim Braid is a relative of Sgt James Dodd 53Bn and Pte Downie Dodd 55Bn KIA Fromelles.
Master of Ceremonies Darren Mitchell then called forward the following dignitaries to lay their wreaths:
A wreath was laid in absentia for Edmond Atalla MP, Member for Mount Druitt representing The Hon. Chris Minns MP, Premier of New South Wales and Chair, The Anzac Memorial Trustees and
the Minister for Veterans, The Hon David Harris MP laying a Wreath on behalf of the NSW Government. (no image)
Left to right: Piper Jim Braid; Mr Phillip Chin, Director, Returned and Services League of Australia and Queen Dunbar, State President, Families of Veterans Guild, formerly Australian War Widows NSW laying a wreath for war widows and families of veterans.
2024 07 19 12 01 -Fromelles – 9841 Piper Jim Braid played a Lament.jpg width=”352″ height=”234″
2025 07 19 11 53 50- Fromelles SYD_8081 Phillip Chin & Queen Dunbar, wreath for war widows and families.jpg width=”352″ height=”234″
French Deputy Head of Mission Guillaume Dabouis, laying a wreath on behalf of the Citizens of France.
Mr. Gary Thompson Regional Security Advisor, Consulate of the United Kingdom laying a wreath on behalf of the Citizens of the United Kingdom;
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2025 07 19 11 54 24- Fromelles SYD_8090wreath laid by French Deputy Chief of Mission Guillaume Dabouis.jpg width=”178″ height=”210″
2025 07 19 11 54 46- Fromelles SYD_8095 Gary Thompson lays wreath on behalf of UK.jpg width=”176″ height=”210″
Images by Community Photography
Ms Biljana Erak and Ms Jennifer Rose, representing Ms Sonia Gregory, Deputy Commissioner NSW & ACT, representing the Department of Veterans’ Affairs laying a wreath for War Veterans.
Sharon Horsnell related to Fred Dyson 54Bn KIA Fromelles and Annette Tebb, related to Ernie Jentsch, 53Bn, KIA Fromelles, honouring the Fallen at Fromelles
Arline Ronsisvalle, representing Australian World War One Descendants (AWWOD) and Julie Searant (FFFAIF) laying a wreath on behalf of World War One descendants.
2025 07 19 11 55 08- Fromelles SYD_8103 Biljana Erak and Jennifer Rose of DVA for War Veterans.jpg width=”182″ height=”205″
2025 07 19 11 55 49- Fromelles SYD_8110 Sharon Horsnell & Annette Tebb wreath for the Fallen at Fromelles.jpg width=”187″ height=”205″
2025 07 19 11 56 36- Fromelles SYD_8117 Arline Ronsisvalle & Julie Searant on behalf of WW1 Descendants.jpg width=”192″ height=”206″
Ann Asciak (AWWOD), honouring Pte George Edward BONNEY, 32nd Bn, KIA at Fromelles with no known grave.
Howard Collins OBE, Coordinator General, Transport for NSW laying a wreath for the 52 NSW railway and tramway men who died at Fromelles and those who survived.
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2025 07 19 11 57 09- Fromelles SYD_8126 Howard Collins Wreath for railway & tramway men died at Fromelles.jpg width=”307″ height=”205″
Wreaths in tribute
Image by Jim Munro
2025 07 19 11 57 29- Fromelles SYD_8128 IMG_7938 2016×1512.jpg width=”2016″ height=”1512″
The Last Post Ceremony
The Ode was recited by BRIG Robert Calhoun DSC representing Major General Matt Burr AM, Commander Second Australian Division.
2025 07 19 11 58 07- Fromelles SYD_8136 BRIG Calhoun recites The Ode.jpg
The Last Post was sounded by Terry McCleary of the Fire + Rescue NSW Band followed by The Silence and The Rouse. Terry’s wife Leonie is a relative of Captain Archibald Gunter MC, 54th Bn, Wounded at Fromelles.
The Last Post sounded by Bugler Terry McCleary of the Fire + Rescue NSW Band
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2025 07 19 11 58 40- Fromelles SYD_8138 BRIG Calhoun salutes as the Last Post is sounded.jpg
Contemplation during The Silence
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2022 07 19 Fromelles-124b Hall of Memory Eternal Flame.jpg width=”167″ height=”210″
2024 07 19-Fromelles -DSC_7842 – Lest we Forget message.jpg width=”243″ height=”210″
Bugler Terry McCleary then sounded The Rouse.
Commemorative Stars
Crowning the Hall of Memory is a domed ceiling covered with approximately 120,000 tiny golden stars, a symbolic representation of the 130,000 men and women from New South Wales who embarked for overseas service during the Great War.
The names of some of the soldiers who participated in the Battle of Fromelles were nominated for commemoration were added to Commemorative Stars of the same shape and colour as the stars fixed in the Dome of Stars above the Hall of Memory. Soldiers commemorated included some of those soldiers who enlisted in NSW and who were killed in the Battle of Fromelles, including 52 Railway and Tramways employees and 11 Jewish soldiers.
Image by Sharon Horsnell
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Each participant in the Commemoration was given a commemorative star bearing the name of a New South Wales soldier killed during or died of wounds following the Battle of Fromelles or participated in the Battle. They were invited to cast the star into the Well of Contemplation following a moment of reflection. Stars released into the Well are collected and later cremated at Rookwood Cemetery. The ashes are carried on annual pilgrimages by the Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholars to the key battlefield sites of the Western Front, Gallipoli, the Middle East and Asia.
SGT Drover casts casting a Commemorative Star into the Well of Contemplation.
2025 07 19 12 03 21- Fromelles SYD_8153 SGT Drover casts a Commemorative Star.jpg width=”201″ height=”134″
2025 07 19 12 03 21- Fromelles SYD_8153-2 a Commemorative Star.jpg width=”172″ height=”134″
2025 07 19 12 04 04- Fromelles SYD_8164 a Commemorative Star.jpg width=”189″ height=”134″
Vocalist Firefighter Carolynne Szady led the singing of the Australian National Anthem to conclude the Commemorative Service.
As the Australian National Anthem is sung, BRIG Robert Calhoun salutes.
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Post Commemoration
Following the Commemoration, the wreaths were relocated from the Anzac Memorial to the ANZAC Chapel at RSL Life Care ANZAC Village at Narrabeen for distribution throughout the Village for the benefit of residents and staff. Some went to Peter Cosgrove House and were made into small floral arrangements to be enjoyed by the residents.
ANZAC Chapel at the RSL LifeCare ANZAC Village at Narrabeen – Images by Jim Munro
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2022 07 19 Fromelles-132 ANZAC Chapel.JPG width=”134″ height=”100″
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Selection of wreaths at the ANZAC Chapel at the RSL LifeCare ANZAC Village at Narrabeen – Images by Sharon Horsnell
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In Appreciation
Special thanks go to the Trustees of the Anzac Memorial, their staff, and volunteers for facilitating and assisting in the Commemorative Service.
Also thanks to Michael Mannington, for Community Photography has created a good photographic record of the Commemoration and to the FFFAIF video team of Chris Brett and Paul Simadas for coverage. Also thanks to Sharon Horsnell, 55/53Bn Association and others who shared some of their photographs.
Special thanks also to the Organising Committee of FFFAIF Members Margaret Snodgrass OAM, Darren Mitchell, Jill Hayes, Paul Simadas, Chris Bryett, John Skene and Geoffrey Benn, Anzac Memorial Operations Manager Belinda Mitrovich and Visitor Services Coordinator Jim Grey and Event Service Officer Milan Nettleton, Matthew and Warrant Officer Class One Darryl Holzhauser, Regimental Sergeant Major, Joint Ceremonial NSW of the Australian Army with support from Nick Young in the NSW Office of Veterans.
A special thanks to the florists who prepared the wreaths as floral tributes, with special appreciation to Bloomey’s Floral Designs for the 4 wreaths that they supplied. Thanks also to Chaplain Keith Walker who arranged for the wreaths to be relocated from the Anzac Memorial following the Commemoration to the RSL Life Care ANZAC Village at Narrabeen to be distributed throughout the Village for the benefit of residents and staff.
Gallery of Thanks
Australian Army Support
WO Class One Darryl Holzhauser, Regimental Sergeant Major, Joint Ceremonial NSW, Royal Australian Navy Band Sydney Drummer, Able Seaman Dane Connor with Flag Bearer SGT Aaron Drover 8th Brigade.
2024 07 19 11 55 -Fromelles – 7742 WO1 Darryl Holzhauser, Regimental Sergeant Major, Joint Ceremonial NSW.jpg width=”121″ height=”235″
2025 07 19 10 23 19- Fromelles SYD_7776 RAN Drummer AS Connor with Flag Bearer SGT Drover.jpg width=”240″ height=”235
2025 07 19 10 54 51- Fromelles SYD_7951 Flag bearers SGT Drover and French Veteran Bernard Fortin.jpg width=”203″ height=”235″
Senior Army Officers in centre image from left to right:
MAJ Keith Lawton representing, Brigadier Arran Hassell, Commander 8th Brigade.
Mr. Gary Thompson, Regional Security Advisor, representing Ms Louise Cantillon, British Consul-General for the United Kingdom and Mrs Tracey Thompson-Wright.
BRIG Robert Calhoun DSC, Chief of Staff, representing MAJGEN Matt Burr AM and the 2nd Australian Division.
Guillaume Dabouis, Deputy Head of Mission, for the Embassy of France in Australia.
MAJ Alistair Chilcott, Staff Officer to the Chief of Staff, 2nd Australian Division.
2025 07 19 10 44 16- Fromelles SYD_7902 Army in Commemorative Procession passing the Pool of Reflection.jpg width=”158″ height=”157″
2025 07 19 10 46 39- Fromelles SYD_7926 Army Commemorative Procession group.jpg width=”234″ height=”157″
2025 07 19 10 58 02- Fromelles SYD_7957 Army MAJ Lawton, COL Turner, MAJ Chilcott, BRIG Calhoun.jpg width=”174″ height=”157″
French Veterans and Embassy support
French Veterans President, Jean Louis Worobec, French Deputy Chief of Mission Guillaume Dabouis and Flag Bearer Bernard Fortin
2024 07 19 11 25 -Fromelles – 7718- French Veterans President, Jean Louis Worobec.jpg width=”165″ height=”182″
2025 07 19 10 22 57- Fromelles SYD_7774 French Deputy Chief of Mission Dabouis with Veteran Bernard Fortin.jpg width=”265″ height=”182″
2025 07 19 10 39 17- Fromelles SYD_7875 Commemorative Procession entering Hyde Park south.jpg width=”132″ height=”182″
55/53 Bn Association support
55Bn King’s Colours Bearer Braith Gallard, Secretary Peter Dowling, Carole Matthews, Rae Mills and Marg Perry of the 55/53Bn Association.
2025 07 19 10 37 54- Fromelles SYD_7851 Commemorative 55Bn Kings Colours Braith Gallard.jpg width=”78″ height=”168″
2025 07 19 10 39 05- Fromelles SYD_7867 55Bn Kings Colours Braith Gallard on Park Street.jpg width=”48″ height=”168″
2025 07 19 10 59 54- Fromelles SYD_7990 Flag bearers French Veteran Bernard Fortin & Braith Gallard.jpg width=”164″ height=”168″
2024.07.19.12.14 -Fromelles – 7863 55Bn Peter Dowling, Carole Matthews, Rae Mills, Marg Perry, Braith Gallard.jpg width=”251″ height=”168″
Special Guests
Mr. Gary Thompson, Regional Security Advisor, representing Ms Louise Cantillon, British Consul-General for the United Kingdom and Mrs Tracey Thompson.
Mr Phillip Chin, Director, The Returned and Services League of Australia NSW Branch.
Queen Dunbar, President, Families of Veterans Guild, formerly Australian War Widows NSW.
Ms Jennifer Rose and Ms Biljana Erak, representing Department of Veterans’ Affairs .
Howard Collins OBE, Coordinator General, Transport for NSW
2025 07 19 12 20 Fromelles Wreath laying Gary and Tracey Thompson UK – Sharon Horsnell.JPG width=”129″ height=”129″
2025 07 19 11 53 50- Fromelles SYD_8081 Phillip Chin RSLNSW Director.jpg width=”91″ height=”129″
2025 07 19 11 57 09- Fromelles SYD_8126 Fromelles Queen Dunbar, Pres Veterans of Families.jpg width=”65″ height=”129″
2025 07 19 11 55 08- Fromelles SYD_8103 Biljana Erak and Jennifer Rose of DVA for War Veterans edit.jpg width=”128″ height=”129″
2024 07 19 11 59 -Fromelles – 9838 Howard Collins Transport for NSW.jpg width=”130″ height=”129″
MAJ David Wilson, Fromelles Project Officer, Unrecovered War Casualties – Army.
COL. Kim Turner RFD (Rtd), President, The Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies NSW;
Peter Allen, Coordinator, Operation Jacob, representing NSW Association of Jewish Service and Ex-Service Men & Women (NAJEX) with Mrs Gloria Allen.
Anette Tebb with Arline Ronsisvalle, Secretary and Karen Dawson, Treasurer representing Australian World War One Descendants (AWWOD).
2025 07 19 10 46 29- Fromelles SYD_7920 Commemorative Procession MAJ Dave Wilson on the Anzac Memorial steps.jpg width=”102″ height=”127″
2025 07 19 10 46 39- Fromelles SYD_7926 Commemorative Procession RUSI NSW Pres Kim Turner.jpg width=”101″ height=”127″
2025 07 19 10 24 39- Fromelles SYD_7782 Peter and Gloria Allen at Briefing of Commemorative Procession.jpg width=”176″ height=”127″
2025 07 19 12 25 09- Fromelles SYD_8171 Annette Tebb, Arline Ronsisvalle, Karen Dawson IMG_7935 zoom.jpg width=”160″ height=”127″
Anzac Memorial staff
Queen Dunbar, Phillip Chin, and Biljana Erak, with Anzac Memorial Visitor Services Co-ordinator, Jim Grey watch as Howard Collins lays a wreath commemorating transport workers.
2025 07 19 11 57 09- Fromelles SYD_8126 Dignitaries and Memorial staff watch Howard Collins Wreath lay a wreath.jpg width=”1399″ height=”933″
Speakers
Uncle Harry Allie, Chaplain Keith Walker, Guillaume Dabouis, Sharon Horsnell, Jim Smith, BRIG Robert Calhoun DSC
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2025 07 19 11 27 27- Fromelles SYD_Rev Walker Fromelles 2025 C.jpg
2025 07 19 11 30 27- Fromelles SYD_8067 M Dabouis France Fromelles 2025.jpg
2025 07 19 11 55 49- Fromelles SYD_8110 Sharon Horsnell.jpg
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Vocalist and Musical support
Fire + Rescue NSW Vocalist Firefighter Carolynne Szady, Accompanist Graeme Press, Piper Jim Braid and Bugler Terry McCleary
2025 07 19 11 00 44- Fromelles SYD_8001 Fire + Rescue Vocalist Szady leads O Valiant Hearts.jpg width=”165″ height=”150″
2025 07 19 10 57 08- Fromelles SYD_7956 Gathering music by Fire + Rescue Musician Graeme Press.jpg width=”137″ height=”150″
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20240719-Fromelles -DSC_7812 Bugler Terry McCleary sounds the Last Post.jpgwidth=”135″ height=”150″
FFFAIF Working Group
Procession Marshall LTCOL Paul Simadas, Committee Members John Skene, Margaret Snodgrass and Master of Ceremonies Darren Mitchell.
2025 07 19 10 38 44- Fromelles SYD_7857 Commemorative Procession Marshall Paul Simadas at Park Street.jpg width=”84″ height=”169″
2024 07 19 11 19 -Fromelles – 9733 John Skene.jpg width=”157″ height=”171″
2024 07 19 11 10 -Fromelles – 7700 FFFAIF Committee member Margaret Snodgrass.jpg width=”170″ height=”170″
2025 07 19 10 58 46- Fromelles SYD_7959 MC Dr Darren Mitchell.jpg width=”161″ height=”170″
Committee Members and Chris Bryett, Jill Hayes and Jim Munro. Fromelles Association Secretary Jim Smith, is seen in other images at the Commemoration, while President Geoffrey Benn was absent, travelling.
2025 07 19 10 58 02- Fromelles SYD_7957 Chris Bryett.jpg
2025 07 19 10 25 12- Fromelles SYD_7788 Jill Hayes and Jim Munro at Commemorative Procession.jpg
A copy of this report with photographs has been posted to the FFFAIF website at www.fffaif.org.au and some photographs are at Families and Friends of the First AIF – Home | Facebook for viewing.
Lest We Forget
Paul Simadas, Vice-President Jim Munro, President
Annexures
Annexure A: Vice Regal Message from
Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC,
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
Annexure B: Order of Service
Annexure C: Fromelles Day 2025 Historical context for commemorating the Battle of Fromelles in Hyde Park, including
A record of the Parade and Ceremony held in Hyde Park on 19 July 1966
The Commemorative Procession steps off from the Archibald Fountain
The Commemorative Process in Hyde Park North
The Commemorative Procession in Hyde Park South passing the Pool of Reflection
Family Reflection by Arline Ronsisvalle and Australian POWs en-route to Lille 20 July 1916 led by Capt Charles Mills 31Bn and Capt Robert Keay 32Bn AWM A01545
Images supplied by Arlene Ronsisvale
Brigadier Allan Murray provided the Epilogue which included reference to his ancestor Driver Willy Thompson of the 30th Battalion and how Willy’s experiences influenced the family and his own life and service. Willy was a 25 year old miner in Newcastle when he enlisted in July 1915 and became a Driver in the Transport section of 30Bn. 30Bn transferred from Egypt and were briefly in the front line at Bois Grenier before marching to Fleurbaix. 30Bn were a reserve Battalion in the Battle of Fromelles carrying ammunition and supplies for the assaulting Battalions and then reinforcing them. From a strength of 27 officers and 942 Other ranks, 20 officers and 534 Other ranks were on Strength 3 days later. Willy stayed with the 30Bn and RTA in May 1919.
The singing of the National Anthems of France, New Zealand and the United Kingdom was led by The Fire + Rescue NSW Vocalist Firefighter Carolynne Szadey accompanied by Graeme Press.
Peter Dowling laying wreath in tribute to 5th Division
