*DNA & Identification

Posted on 12/08/2009 by FFFAIF

The joint announcement by the Australian and British governments that the remains of the soldiers buried at Pheasant Wood Fromelles by the German Army after the 19 July 1916 Battle of Fromelles will undergo DNA analysis, has increased the chances that some of these men will regain their identity after being ‘lost’ for 93 years.

Martial2_small_OA Tim Loveless_web

Photo: Examination of artefacts uncovered at Pheasant Wood
[Oxford Archaeology. CWGC]

The news on the DNA testing is being reported around the world. A list of media reports for 10 August was posted  at RECENT NEWS Item: DNA Go Ahead. Click here. Further media reports can be seen at:
BBC News: DNA work begins at WW1 mass grave. Click here.
CNN: DNA tests to identify WW1 bodies. Click here.
Sunday Mail UK: A handmade leather heart, a gold cross and a train ticket: The poignant keepsakes found at mass World War 1 graves in France. Click here.
Southern Daily Echo: DNA tests on county’s war dead. Click here.
AFP: DNA tests to identify British, Aussie WW1 troops. Click here.
Northampton Chronicle: DNA may unearth the mystery of war dead. Click here.
WalesOnline: Family hope to bury soldier 93 years after he died. Click here.
The Huddersfield Daily Examiner: Huddersfield ancestors sought for clues to WW1 victims life. Click here.

The important role that DNA analysis and family trees can play in the identification process and an explanation of DNA testing can be seen in RECENT NEWS item: DNA and Family Trees.

The use of DNA analysis is not the only tool being used by Oxford Archaeology to help return the identity of the fallen soldiers. Forensic archaeologists will use artefacts uncovered from the mass graves along with physical aspects of the men to help in the identification process.

One of the Australian soldiers exhumed could be identified as Australia’s youngest soldier to have been killed in action. John Gordon, who at the age of 15 years, 10 months and one day enlisted in the AIF with his parents consent using his deceased brother’s name, James. The extract below from Private James Gordon’s Service Record held at the National Archives of Australia shows the letter of consent written by his father and also signed by his mother. Little did they know that less than 12 months after enlisting their son would be listed as missing in action.

Gordon Pte James consent letter_sml

Private James Gordon was later confirmed as killed in action on 19 July 1916 when his identification discs were returned by the German Army.

To read more about how forensic archaeologists will try to identify John Gordon see The Melbourne Age article Has Fromelles yielded youngest digger? By clicking here.

*****

TheFamilies and Friends of the First AIFapplauds the joint Australian–UK decision, announced by The Hon Greg Combet AM MP and the Hon Kevan Jones MP, to conduct a full DNA testing program on the remains of Australian and British soldiers found in mass graves at Pheasant Wood (Fromelles), and for their continuing commitment to identify as many of the fallen as is possible. We also thank the Australian, UK and French governments for affording dignified individual reburials for these soldiers, buried by German soldiers following the Battle of Fromelles on 19/20 July 1916, in the new Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery presently under construction at Fromelles.

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*DNA Go Ahead

Posted on 10/08/2009 by FFFAIF

A joint statement was made today by the Australian and British governments that DNA testing will commence this week on the remains of World War 1 soldiers buried at Pheasant Wood. Scientists will undertake mass DNA-testing in the hope of establishing the identities of the soldiers buried in the mass grave.

DNA TESTING OF FALLEN AT FROMELLES TO PROCEED 

Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today announced that full analysis and matching of DNA from Australian and British World War One soldiers discovered in France will proceed.
Today’s announcement follows the successful conclusion of a pilot study to evaluate if the DNA present in the remains found at the Fromelles site could be used to identify our fallen soldiers. 
“I am pleased to announce that the results of this pilot study have clearly demonstrated that viable DNA samples are able to be collected from a significant number of the fallen at Fromelles,” said Mr Combet.
“The pilot study tested a cross section of the Fromelles remains with samples being taken from the teeth and bones of these remains. Samples were also taken from different parts of the burial sites.”
“On the basis of the information provided by the study the Australian and United Kingdom Governments have agreed that a full DNA testing programme will be conducted.”
“The delicate condition of the remains, the soil surrounding them and high water table has made the extraction of DNA difficult. Therefore is also important to note that the chance of identification of each solider still remains low,” said Mr Combet.
“Both the Australian and United Kingdom Governments remain committed to identifying as many of the fallen as is possible.”
 “DNA provides another piece of the complex identification puzzle.  But as important as this is, it is just one of the many techniques that will be used to try and identify these soldiers,” Mr Combet said.
“To increase the chance of success, identification of individuals will also rely on a combined picture of anthropological, archaeological, historical and scientific data.” 
Over 1300 descendants of Australian soldiers, who died in the Battle of Fromelles with no known grave, have registered with the Australian Army to offer their DNA to match with the remains.
“Descendants who are identified as being the best chance of a DNA match to a soldier who died at Fromelles will be contacted directly in the coming months.”
Given the public interest in this historic project the Government is currently considering the release of further information relating to the DNA testing and pilot report.
If people believe that they are relatives of a soldier who died at the Battle of Fromelles, they are encouraged to contact the Australian Army on (free call) 1800 019 090 or visit www.army.gov.au/fromelles to register their interest.

Read the media reports:
Sydney Morning Herald: All remains excavated at Fromelles to be DNA tested. Click here.
Hearld Sun: DNA tests on soldier remains. Click here.
The Canberra Times: DNA experts to test bodies at Fromelles. Click here.
The Age: Goahead for Fromelles DNA testing. Click here.
The Daily Telegraph: DNA to identify WW1 Digger remains. Click here.
Scotsman-Edinburgh: DNA tests begin in bid to identify fallen heroes buried for 93 years. Click here.
Nine News: Mass DNA tests on Fromelles WW1 soldiers. Click here.
ABC News: Relatives enlisted for Fromelles DNA tests. Click here.
Telegraph UK: DNA tests begin to identify Fromelles dead from mass grave. Click here.

*****

The Families and Friends of the First AIF applauds the joint Australian–UK decision, announced by The Hon Greg Combet AM MP and the Hon Kevan Jones MP, to conduct a full DNA testing program on the remains of Australian and British soldiers found in mass graves at Pheasant Wood (Fromelles), and for their continuing commitment to identify as many of the fallen as is possible. We also thank the Australian, UK and French governments for affording dignified individual reburials for these soldiers, buried by German soldiers following the Battle of Fromelles on 19/20 July 1916, in the new Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery presently under construction at Fromelles.

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55,555 hits

Posted on 06/08/2009 by FFFAIF

55,555 hits

The Families and Friends of the First AIF (FFFAIF) website reached a new milestone this week as it registered its 55,555th ‘hit’. The website was launched on the 26 January 2008 and is regularly updated. During this time there have been more than 270 postings.

As frequent visitors to the site would have observed, the website is continually undergoing development and updates. Features which have been added since the site’s inauguration include the embedding of slide shows in web postings.

Click on the slide show below to view its contents. (Tip: to view full screen version click on the ‘full’ icon at the bottom of the slide show box)

[slideshare id=1056012&doc=WellingtonQuarry-090222010221-phpapp02]

The website displays a collection of contemporary photos and news items associated with the First AIF from a world wide network of contributors. One of our main photographic contributors over the past 12 months has been Secretary of FWTM 14-18 (Fromelles Museum) and FFFAIF member Carole Laignel.

4 06 2009 Fromelles 036_sml

Photo: Lambis Englezos looks on as 2009 ‘Dig’ begins at Pheasant Wood, Fromelles [Carole Laignel]

All the RECENT NEWS items which have been posted on the website are still available and can be found under PAST NEWS sorted by month or can be accessed by using the Search Field located on the top right of web page (near the Member’s Area tab). Simply enter the topic you are searching for in the search field and click enter.

Another method of finding a PAST NEWS item is by using the newest website feature: TOPICS. This feature is located directly below the FFFAIF Photo strip, on the right hand side of the web pages. Using the drop-down arrow you will activate a list of Categories under which our web postings are filed.  Selecting a TOPIC will list all PAST NEWS items on this topic e.g. ANZAC Day, Fromelles or Zonnebeke.

In recognition of reaching the significant milestone of 55,555 ‘hits’, for the first time comments and feedback are invited on the web-site. We would like to hear where in the world you are (town & country); how often you look at the FFFAIF website; what you like about the website and how the FFFAIF website can provide you with a better service.

Web manager and FFFAIF Secretary Chris Munro also welcomes contributions and suggestions on the website via email at projectfffaif@yahoo.com.au

Posted in Events, Members' Announcements | Comments Off on 55,555 hits

FLAG STOLEN

Posted on 06/08/2009 by FFFAIF

A significant piece of Australia’s heritage has been stolen from NSW RSL headquarters in Sydney. 

The first flag to be carried ashore to Gallipoli by Australian troops has been stolen from ANZAC House.

The Sydney Morning Herald article on Thursday 6 August stated:
The first flag carried ashore by Australian troops at Gallipoli in World War I has been stolen from the NSW RSL’s Sydney office.
State RSL president Don Rowe said staff noticed the flag missing from Anzac House Castlereagh St, in Sydney’s CBD, on Monday.
It was in storage with other memorabilia at the RSL’s headquarters while renovations were carried out on the war memorial in Hyde Park, where it is usually on show.
Mr Rowe said the flag was taken ashore by Australian troops of the 9th battalion, 3rd brigade, at Gallipoli and carried throughout the campaign from 1915.
The flag bears the signatures of several historical figures including Albert Windsor who became King George VI.
While the flag has been valued for insurance it is the sentimental value that means the most, Mr Rowe said.
“You can’t put a value on it. It’s historical as well as sentimental, something that’s irreplaceable,” he told AAP on Thursday.
“And it’s really got no value to the person who took it because no one will want to buy it. No one will want to touch it because… the word’s out that it’s been taken.
“It’s significant to the nation not to an individual.”
Police have been notified and a list of people who had access to the storage area has been compiled.
Mr Rowe said the person who has the flag can return it to Anzac House or any RSL branch.
“I hope they’ve got a guilty conscience and return it because a lot of cases people just don’t know what it is. They just think `oh, that looks good, I’ll take it’,” he said.
“And they don’t realise what it actually means.”

Further media reports on the theft and photos of the flag follow:
ABC NEWS: Police probe Gallipoli flag theft. Click here.

Macquarie News: Priceless Australian Flag stolen from ANZAC House. Click here.

Sky news online: First Gallipoli flag stolen. Click here.

The NSW Premier Nathan Rees has appealed for the flag’s return: If anyone sees a home-made Australian flag or is offered one or is shown one, please, please encourage the person who has it to return it.

New South Wales RSL President Don Rowe has also appealed for its return: It has very little value to anyone else except us and the people of New South Wales.
If anybody knows where it is or have it would they please be kind enough to return it to the RSL or their nearest RSL club or sub-branch.

*****

The Families and Friends of the First AIF thanks the Australian, UK and French governments for affording Australian and British soldiers buried in mass graves at Pheasant Wood by German soldiers following the Battle of Fromelles on 19/20 July 1916 dignified individual reburials in a new CWGC cemetery at Fromelles, and applauds the joint decision to DNA test the remains at exhumation and use every reasonable method to attempt identification of each soldier.

 

Posted in Gallipoli | Comments Off on FLAG STOLEN

War declared:shots fired

Posted on 05/08/2009 by FFFAIF

At 11pm Greenwich Mean Time (midnight in Berlin) on the 4 August 1914, the British ultimatum to the Germans to withdraw from Belgium expired and Britain declared war on Germany.

SS Boorara_AWMPhoto: SS Pflaz which was renamed HMAT Boorara (A42) [AWM]

At the same time in Port Philip Bay, Victoria, 10:00am local time on the 5th August the German steamship SS Pfalz was attempting to leave the port. The ship was fired upon by the guns at Point Nepean Fort at the heads at Port Philip Bay.

The ship was seized by Australia and renamed the SS Boorara and served as a transport during The Great War. Further details on the SS Boorara, including a collection of photos, can be found at Coastal Defences of Colonial Victoria.

Ninety five years later the Australian Minister for Veterans’ Affairs The Hon Alan Griffin MP issued the following media release:
On 4 August 1914 German forces crossed the Belgian border and set in train an escalating conflict that would soon engulf Europe.  Australia’s pledge of support to Britain ultimately cost some 60,000 lives in a war that lasted four years and affected almost every household in the country. 
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Alan Griffin said the 95th anniversary of the beginning of the First World War was an opportunity to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who served in the ‘war to end all wars’.
“More than 416,000 Australians enlisted in the First World War and of those more than 60,000 lost their lives on the battlefields of the Western Front, Gallipoli, the Middle East, in the skies above many of these battlefields and at sea,” Mr Griffin said.
“Some 160,000 Australians returned home injured or ill and Australia’s repatriation system grew out of our duty of care to these men and women and to the families of those who did not return.  We continue this duty of care today, supporting around 370 war widows of First World War servicemen.
“We are also ensuring our First World War veterans are commemorated through enduring tributes.
“The Australian Government is contributing $10 million over the next four years to establish a Western Front Interpretive Trail to better tell the story of Australian service in France and Belgium.  The concept will tell Australia’s story to visitors of all nations right across the Front, by working with communities and with regional and national authorities to improve existing facilities or create additional ones on Australian battlefields. 
“This is long overdue recognition of Australia’s contribution and by acting now we can improve interpretative sites as we move towards the centenary of our involvement in the First World War.
“Each year on Anzac Day thousands of Australians gather at Gallipoli and now in France to honour those who served in these locations, but also those who served in all of the other wars and conflicts since.  Our commitment to commemorate their service remains strong,” the Minister said.

*****

The Families and Friends of the First AIF thanks the Australian, UK and French governments for affording Australian and British soldiers buried in mass graves at Pheasant Wood by German soldiers following the Battle of Fromelles on 19/20 July 1916 dignified individual reburials in a new CWGC cemetery at Fromelles, and applauds the joint decision to DNA test the remains at exhumation and use every reasonable method to attempt identification of each soldier.

Posted in Commemorations, Events | Comments Off on War declared:shots fired

Last WW1 soldier

Posted on 05/08/2009 by FFFAIF

Henry (Harry) John Patch the last British surviving veteran of the Great War died on 25 July 2009 aged 111.

Harry Patch Langemark_sml

Photo: Harry Patch arriving at Langemark Cemetery, October 2008 [Mike Goodwin]

Harry Patch has been described by the BBC as bringing first hand memories into the 21st century of a battle that has passed into history. To read Harry’s obituary click here.

While touring the Western Front in October 2008 members of the Mackay North High School Remembrance 2008 Commemorative Tour had an unscheduled ‘bonus’ when Harry Patch arrived at Langemark Cemetery at the same time as their visit. Tour leader, teacher and FFFAIF member Mike Goodwin remembers it a being ‘a very special time for the students’. The group had a second opportunity to see Harry again at the Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate, Ieper where Mackay North student Angela Barratt sang the Australian National Anthem as part of the service. To read about their experience click here.

Harry Patch Angela 1_smlPhoto: Angela Barratt meets Harry Patch at Ieper [Mike Goodwin]

Harry Patch died one week after fellow veteran Henry Allingham, aged 113, who passed away on 18 July 2009. The BBC described Henry as being the last surviving founder member of the RAF, the last man to have witnessed the Battle of Jutland and the last surviving member of the Royal Naval Air Service. To read Henry’s obituray click here. Photo’s of Henry’s funeral can be seen by clicking here.

*****

The Families and Friends of the First AIF thanks the Australian, UK and French governments for affording Australian and British soldiers buried in mass graves at Pheasant Wood by German soldiers following the Battle of Fromelles on 19/20 July 1916 dignified individual reburials in a new CWGC cemetery at Fromelles, and applauds the joint decision to DNA test the remains at exhumation and use every reasonable method to attempt identification of each soldier.

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The Shrine presents….

Posted on 05/08/2009 by FFFAIF

The following recordings from public programs held at the Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne are available for download.

Tim&LambisWarnambool

Photo: Lambis Englezos (left) and Tim Whitford [Tim Whitford]

Don’t Forget Me Cobber: Discovering the Men of Fromelles presented by Mr. Lambis Englezos and Mr. Tim Whitford on 20/07/09

Shell-shocked presented by Prof. Joy Damousi on 20/07/09

The Peace Settlement of 1919: Calamity or Accomplishment? presented by Prof. Trevor Wilson on 26/06/09

Gallipoli Sniper presented by Mr. John Hamilton on 11/06/09

To listen to these talks or download the files click here.

*****

The Families and Friends of the First AIF thanks the Australian, UK and French governments for affording Australian and British soldiers buried in mass graves at Pheasant Wood by German soldiers following the Battle of Fromelles on 19/20 July 1916 dignified individual reburials in a new CWGC cemetery at Fromelles, and applauds the joint decision to DNA test the remains at exhumation and use every reasonable method to attempt identification of each soldier.

Posted in Events, The Shrine | Comments Off on The Shrine presents….

*Pics Pozieres Service

Posted on 29/07/2009 by FFFAIF

POZIERES COMMEMORATIVE SERVICE

(Story and photos by FFFAIF Vice President Jim Munro)

The annual Commemorative Service for the Battle of Pozieres was held at Saint Columba Church, Woollahra on Sunday  26 July 2009. The band of The Scots College Pipes and Drums heralded the start of the service as they marched down Ocean/Forth Street towards the church.  Major General Craig D. Williams AM, Commander 2nd Division, took the salute.

P1040089_smlPhoto: The Scots College Pipes and Drums

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Photo: Major General Craig D. Williams AM, Commander 2nd Division takes the salute accompanied by Rev. Dr. Alan Russell,
Major-General Sandy Pearson AO, DSO, OBE, MC (Retd) and Major-General Gordon Maitland AO OBE RFD ED (Retd) 

More than 120 people attended the service at which the Members of the Association of the First Infantry Battalions and Association Des Anciens Combatants Francais (Association of French Veterans NSW) formed an honour guard as the flags of the First Battalion entered the church.

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Photo: The Queen’s and Regimental Colours of the First Battalion entering the church carried by the Colour Party of the RNSWR

P1040090_smlPhoto: The Pozieres Cross and 1st Battalion AIF flags

The standards were received at the altar by Rev. Dr. Alan Russell, who conducted the Service.

 P1040096_sml

Photo: The Queen’s and Regimental Colours of the First Battalion being laid upon the altar during the service

The Australian and French flags were also laid up by Rev. Russell

The Last Post was played by Mr Arthur Clemlin and The Ode was recited by WO1 Wayne Skinner RSM 1/19th RNSWR.  Reveille was sounded followed by The Lament.

The French National Anthem was played by pianist Mme Giselle Hoarau who accompanied the singing of the Australian National Anthem.

At the conclusion of the Service the Queen’s and Regimental Colours of the First Battalion were returned to the Colour Party of the RNSWR and the First Battalion Flag and flag of the Association Des Anciens Combatants Francais (Association of French Veterans NSW) were returned.

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Photos above and below: At the conclusion of the Service the Australian and French flags were returned by Rev. Russell

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Following the Service, there was an opportunity to reflect on the memory of those who lost their lives at Pozieres on 23 July 1916 while morning tea was served by members of the Congregation.

*****

TheFamilies and Friends of the First AIFthanks the Australian, UK and French governments for affording Australian and British soldiers buried in mass graves at Pheasant Wood by German soldiers following the Battle of Fromelles on 19/20 July 1916 dignified individual reburials in a new CWGC cemetery at Fromelles, and applauds the joint decision to DNA test the remains at exhumation and use every reasonable method to attempt identification of each soldier.

Posted in Commemorations, Pozieres | Comments Off on *Pics Pozieres Service

*Fromelles Video News

Posted on 28/07/2009 by FFFAIF

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) website remembering Fromelles now includes an informative video on the progress of the excavation of the mass graves at Pheasant Wood.

Ambika_Tim Loveless_smlPhoto: Australian archaeologist Ambika Flavel [Tim Loveless OA]

Included in the video is an interview with Australian archaeologist Ambika Flavel, a member of Oxford Archaeology (OA), the team carrying out the excavations and exhumations. The video also shows some of the techniques used by the OA team and examples of some of the artefacts collected so far, including a return train ticket from Freemantle to Perth!

The video then takes you on site to the new Fromelles cemetery which is under construction. Click here to view the video.

19th July 2009 ceremony Fromelles 282_smlPhoto: Construction site Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) CWGC Cemetery [Carole Laignel]

The CWGC latest newsletter also gives a progress report on the preparation underway to complete the cemetery:
Although planting up the new cemetery at Fromelles is still some way in the future, rose and plant stock for the borders are already being brought on at two selected nurseries in France and Belgium. Fromelles project manager David Richardson went to see how the plants were coming along.
‘The stock is in good condition with good rooting. It’s a fine balance between having good root structure and the plants being pot-bound, so we are using larger sized pots than usual. This will make transport a bit more difficult but will ensure that the cemetery will look its best on opening next summer.
‘The roses to be used are ‘Remembrance’, a Commission favourite. Flowering stems have been cut back this year to allow the plants to become really well established for next years planting. The plants are all being container grown and will be planted out following the completion of the site in spring 2010.
‘Because time will be limited between the completion of the burials and the opening in July we will be turfing the whole site rather than the usual method of sowing. The turf we will be using is also being contract grown.’

Preparing the 300 or so ‘war pattern’ headstones needed for the new cemetery at Fromelles will be a long job and work has already begun with cutting and shaping the blanks at the Albion Quarry at Portland, Dorset, in the United Kingdom.
The stone is Broadcroft Whitbed best memorial quality, the type used for all our Portland headstones, and a sufficient supply had to be reserved some time ago. The blanks for Fromelles are being cut extra-long to allow the cemetery surfaces to be built up around them. Once cut and finished, the blanks will be shipped to our workshops in France for engraving using the Commission’s own computer controlled Incisograph system.

If you are interested in receiving the CWGC monthly remembering Fromelles newsletter click here and sign up.

*****

The Families and Friends of the First AIF thanks the Australian, UK and French governments for affording Australian and British soldiers buried in mass graves at Pheasant Wood by German soldiers following the Battle of Fromelles on 19/20 July 1916 dignified individual reburials in a new CWGC cemetery at Fromelles, and applauds the joint decision to DNA test the remains at exhumation and use every reasonable method to attempt identification of each soldier.

Posted in Top Posts | Comments Off on *Fromelles Video News

*Pics Fromelles Service

Posted on 28/07/2009 by FFFAIF

The 93rd Anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles was commemorated in France at three services held at significant locations at Fromelles on Sunday 19 July 2009.

Thanks to the generosity of members and supporters of the FFFAIF in France who have sent images of the Commemoration Services for the Battle of Fromelles and images available from the CWGC we are able to publish an expanded account of this year’s services.

The first service was held at The Australian Memorial Park, Fromelles.  The Memorial Park is located on the site of German blockhouses which were part of the well established German defensive line at Fromelles.  The Address by the Australian Ambassador to France, His Excellency, David Ritchie can be read by clicking here.

David Ritchie speech Cobbers Mem 19 July _CWGC OA Kate Brady_sml

Photo: Mr David Ritchie, Australian Ambassador to France. [Kate Brady OA]

Click on the slideshow below to view images of the ceremony (click on Full for full screen viewing).

[slideshare id=1778996&doc=19julyaust-memorialpark-090728025651-phpapp02]

Upon completion of this service, the commemoration then moved to VC Corner Australian Cemetery, where wreaths were laid at the Cross of Sacrifice.
VC Corner Cemetery contains the bodies of 410 unidentified Australian soldiers who died in the Battle of Fromelles and who are buried in individual but un-marked graves.

19th July 2009 ceremony Fromelles 135_smlPhoto: Standard bearers and guests move along the road to VC Corner Military Cemetery [Carole Laignel]

Click on the slideshow below to view images of the ceremony at VC Corner Australian Cemetery.

[slideshare id=1778984&doc=19july-vccorner-090728025232-phpapp01]

The Commemorations were completed at Pheasant Wood, the site of mass burials of Australian and British soldiers who fell in the Battle of Fromelles by the German Army.

M Huchette and David read message from Lambis 19 July Kate Brady_CWGC OA_smlPhoto: Mr David Richardson, M Hubert Huchette, M Martial Delebarre AM. [Kate Brady OA]

A message from Lambis Englezos, whose research efforts were responsible for locating the graves of the missing from the Battler of Fromelles, was read by Mr David Richardson, Deputy Director-General of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) and the Mayor of Fromelles, M Hubert Huchette.

Click on the slideshow below to view images of the ceremony at Pheasant Wood.

[slideshare id=1778998&doc=19julypheasantwood-090728025706-phpapp02]

With the official services completed, those assembled were invited to the Fromelles village hall to share a Verre d’Amitié (‘a glass of friendship’).

19th July 2009 ceremony Fromelles 289_smlPhoto: Verre d’Amitié at the Fromelles village hall
Sam Rossato from the Australian Embassy with Colonel Skowronski, Australian Military Attaché and
Dr Louise Loe representing Oxford Archaeology [Hubert Huchette]

*****

The Families and Friends of the First AIF thanks the Australian, UK and French governments for affording Australian and British soldiers buried in mass graves at Pheasant Wood by German soldiers following the Battle of Fromelles on 19/20 July 1916 dignified individual reburials in a new CWGC cemetery at Fromelles, and applauds the joint decision to DNA test the remains at exhumation and use every reasonable method to attempt identification of each soldier.

Posted in Commemorations, Top Posts | Comments Off on *Pics Fromelles Service