DNA testing approved.

Posted on 12/11/2008 by FFFAIF

In a press release on the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice –

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, today announced that Britain and Australia had jointly agreed to attempt DNA extraction from the remains of those First World War soldiers buried at Pheasant Wood, Fromelles.

It is estimated the remains of up to 400 Australian and British soldiers are interred in a group burial site at Fromelles, where they were originally laid to rest by German Forces in 1916. 

The decision to exhume and individually re-inter each soldier was made following a limited excavation at the site earlier this year which proved the remains were still in situ.

“We have agreed to DNA test an initial cross-section of our soldiers’ remains when they are carefully exhumed from the group burial site at Fromelles next year,” Minister Snowdon said.

“If this process returns positive results, we may then consider testing the balance of remains in order to attempt matching with current living relatives.

“It is the desire of the Australian Government to use every reasonable method to identify each individual soldier.”

Minister Snowdon’s British counterpart, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence and Minister for Veterans, Kevan Jones MP, echoed these sentiments.

“Although we have to acknowledge that identification of those found at Fromelles will be unlikely in a lot of cases, we owe it to them all to ensure that every reasonable effort is made to provide a named grave to as many of them as possible,” Minister Jones said.

The Australian Army is attempting to locate current living relatives for each of the First Australian Imperial Force soldiers believed to be buried at Pheasant Wood.

Members of the public who believe they may have a relative interred at the site are encouraged to register their details at www.defence.gov.au/fromelles or by calling the public inquiries line on 1800 019 090.  This database of current living relatives may be used in the future to identify individual remains, if the scientific methods prove to be feasible.

To read the ABC News report on the press release: Government to test Fromelles mass grave remains, click here.

Also on the ABC: Relative welcomes Fromelles DNA tests, click here.

To read The Australian’s report: DNA tests to go ahead on digger remains, click here.

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The Families and Friends of the First AIF thanks the Australian, UK and French governments for affording Australian and British soldiers – presently buried in mass graves at Pheasant Wood – dignified individual reburials in a new CWGC cemetery at Fromelles, and urge those responsible to ensure all necessary scientific and other means are employed to properly identify each soldier.
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Remembrance Day

Posted on 12/11/2008 by FFFAIF

Remembrance Day at The Australian War Memorial

The FFFAIF was represented by a large group, of approximately, 40 members and guests at the Remembrance Day Service at the Australian War Memorial.

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Officials and members of the public gathered in the brilliant Canberra sunshine to commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the signing of the Armistice.

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Photo: Federation Guard at commencement of service

The Commemorative Address was given by the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd. To view Mr Rudd’s speech click here  then select Video: Rudd calls for peace at Remembrance Day ceremony.

Wreaths were laid by dignitaries present including Professor Marie Bashir – the Governor General’s representative; the Prime Minister; the Leader of the Opposition; and the Chiefs of Navy, Army & Air Force.

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Photo: Prime Minister laying wreath

Members of the Diplomatic Corps laid wreaths on behalf of the citizens of their countries.

digitaries_wreaths_smlPhoto: Diplomatic Corps members laying wreaths

School children from all states of Australia place floral tributes on the Stone of Remembrance as part of the service.

school-children_smlPhoto: School children place a single poppy on Stone of Remembrance.

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At the completion of the service, members Heather Ford (Vic), Anny De Decker (Belgium) and Andrew Pittaway (WA) laid a wreath on behalf of the FFFAIF.

fffaif-wreath-laying_smlPhoto: FFFAIF wreath laying at AWM.

fffaif-wreath-laying_2_smlPhoto: Heather Ford, Anny De Decker and Andrew Pittaway.

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The Families and Friends of the First AIF thanks the Australian, UK and French governments for affording Australian and British soldiers – presently buried in mass graves at Pheasant Wood – dignified individual reburials in a new CWGC cemetery at Fromelles, and urge those responsible to ensure all necessary scientific and other means are employed to properly identify each soldier.

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Australia Pauses…….

Posted on 12/11/2008 by FFFAIF

Australia Pauses to Remember

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Photograph by Robyn Munro

Throughout Australia and across the world people paused at 11 o’clock on the 11 November to remember the sacrifices and services of those who gave so much for our freedom and way of life today.

The media acknowledged the 90th Anniversary of the signing of the Armistice, which signalled the end of hostiles in the First World War, with a series of tributes.

To view the ABC’s tribute click here, and then select VIDEO – Australia pauses to remember war sacrifice.  There are also links to Audio and Video files with interesting stories.

To view the 9NEWS tribute click here, and then press the play button.

To read about Remembrance Day commemorations around Australia visit SBS News by clicking here.

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The Families and Friends of the First AIF thanks the Australian, UK and French governments for affording Australian and British soldiers – presently buried in mass graves at Pheasant Wood – dignified individual reburials in a new CWGC cemetery at Fromelles, and urge those responsible to ensure all necessary scientific and other means are employed to properly identify each soldier.

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Le Hamel Re-dedicated

Posted on 12/11/2008 by FFFAIF

The Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, re-dedicated the Australian Corps Memorial at Le Hamel Memorial in northern France, on Saturday 8th November, 2008. The new memorial replaces the original Australian Corps Memorial dedicated on 4th July 1998.

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Photo: The Re-dedication of the Australian Corps Memorial, Le Hamel. [www.gg.gov.au]

During the ceremony, Her Excellency addressed those present:
I am privileged, as a symbol and voice for my countrymen and women, to come to this place, this sacred shrine, to thank and to honour, to rejoice and to dream – with, for, and in their stead – those fine Australian men who fought the Battle of Le Hamel.

This place
where conflict raged,
tears and blood were shed;
lives, lost and saved;
courage reigned, no matter triumph or defeat;
nationhood, affirmed;
brothers and sisters, sure and proud.

This place
where history is recorded;
stories, told;
lessons, written;
precious memories, preserved and fading;
the past observed, in present wisdom and future light………..

To read the Governor General’s speech click here.

For more photos of the Re-dedication from the Governor General web-site click here.

To read The Sydney Morning Herald’s report on the Governor General’s visit to the Western Front, click here.  You can also follow the links to Foreign field, forever Australia and Finally, one soldier’s family finds a sense of peace.

To read The Melbourne Age’s report, click here.

The Governor General also visited Fromelles while on the Western Front. To read the ABC ‘s report on the visit to the Fromelles village church, The Cobber’s Statue, V.C. Corner and Pheasant Wood click here. While on the ABC page you can view the news footage of the visit by clicking on ‘Video’.

The Australian’s report of the Governor General’s visit – Sarkozy thanks Quentin Bryce for Diggers’ sacrifice in France – includes a photo gallery  of the visit. To read the report click here. To view the photo gallery click here.

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The Families and Friends of the First AIF thanks the Australian, UK and French governments for affording Australian and British soldiers – presently buried in mass graves at Pheasant Wood – dignified individual reburials in a new CWGC cemetery at Fromelles, and urge those responsible to ensure all necessary scientific and other means are employed to properly identify each soldier.

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*AWM Anniversary.

Posted on 04/11/2008 by FFFAIF

The Australian War Memorial is a world class, award winning Museum celebrating its 67th anniversary next week. The Museum was officially opened on 11th November, 1941.

Photo: Australian War Memorial, Canberra

The Australian War Memorial is the result of the farsightedness of several people including Australia’s Official War Historian, C.E.W. Bean, Lord William (Field Marshal) Birdwood and John Treloar, the first director of the Memorial.

The Australian War Memorial’s website describes C.E.W. Bean’s contribution to the establishment of a National Memorial as follows:

Charles Bean first began thinking about commemorating the sacrifice of Australians in war in 1915 on Gallipoli. The idea of a national museum took hold later, while Bean was visiting Pozières, France, where the Australian divisions suffered 23,000 casualties in less than seven weeks of fighting in 1916. Bean’s idea was to set aside a place in Australia where families and friends could grieve for those buried in places far away and difficult to visit – a place that would also contribute to the understanding of war itself.

The establishment of the Australian War Memorial’s collection was given a significant boost when the following message was issued by Lord William (Field Marshal) Birdwood on 14 December 1917:

To each member of the A.I.F.
The Australian Government has decided to commemorate Australia’s share in the present war by the formation, after the war, of Museums, in which will be collections of war trophies, photographs, sketches, trench papers, &c. The task of collecting these is now in progress, and is being carried out by the Australian War Records Section, which already has received a large number of fine trophies.
It is desired to make these Museums at least as fine as any in the world, and thus a memorial worthy of the A.I.F. This can be done, but only with the co-operation of all ranks, and I now ask that each member of the A.I.F. should contribute at least one trophy to his unit’s collection in the Museums. This would provide sufficient material for splendid Museums.
Some units are already taking steps to have this done. Unless the other units wish their collections to be overshadowed by these, it will be necessary for each member to do his bit to make his own unit’s collection the best possible, and I am confident this will be done.
Trophies for the War Museums should be handed to the C.O.s, who will arrange to send them to the Museum Collecting Depot.

A brief history of the Australian War Memorial is given on it’s website. To read this account click here.

As part of The Australian War Memorial philosophy to increase the ease of access to its vast collection it was announced 31st October 2008 that the digitising of First World War Unit diaries has so far added 300,000 images to it’s online collection. The digitising of the remaining unit diaries is expected to be completed in three years time.  To read more on this project click here.

It is possible to take a virtual tour of the Australian War Memorial by clicking here.

You can read more about the Australian War Memorial collection from the Memorial’s Director, Steve Gower, by clicking here .

As part of the Australian War Memorial’s commemoration of the 90th Anniversary of the Armistice a blog has been posted on the website which reflects on what soldiers were doing on the 11th of November throughout the First World War, through extracts from soldier’s diaries held in the collection. To read these extracts click here.

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The Families and Friends of the First AIF thanks the Australian, UK and French governments for affording Australian and British soldiers – presently buried in mass graves at Pheasant Wood – dignified individual reburials in a new CWGC cemetery at Fromelles, and urge those responsible to ensure all necessary scientific and other means are employed to properly identify each soldier.

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First World War Relics.

Posted on 04/11/2008 by FFFAIF

With the example set by C.E.W. Bean and the instruction given by Lord William (Field Marshal) Birdwood the soldiers of the AIF became avid souvenir hunters and collectors.

One of the most infamous of the AIF collectors was John ‘Barney’ Hines of the 45th Battalion, nicknamed ‘The Souvenir King’. The service record of Private Hines is studied in digging for diggers, written by FFFAIF Vice President and editor of DIGGER, Graeme Hosken.

Two of the largest war trophies brought back to Australia were the Amiens Gun of which only the barrel remains and is on display at the Australian War Memorial and Mephisto : the last surviving German A7V Sturmpanzerwagen tank, which is on display in the Queensland Museum in Brisbane.

Photo: Amiens Gun, Australian War Memorial, Canberra. [Munro Collection]

The complete Amiens railway gun was on display at the Canberra Railway Station from 1923 to 1963 when it was moved to Port Wakefield, S.A. for a proof firing program.  Unfortunately, the railway carriage mount was demolished for scap after the trials and only the barrel was retreived by the AWM (Source: War Trophies from the First World War 1914 – 1918, Major R. S. Billett).

Photo: Mephisto, Brisbane Museum, Queensland. [Munro Collection]

The Australian War Memorial’s Collection contains a photo of Mephisto after it had been salvaged from Monument Wood, near Villers-Bretonneux and handed over to the Australian War Records Section for despatch to Australia. Click here to view the AWM photo.  The Queensland Museum website includes photos of the interior and the combat history, which may be accessed by clicking on Mephisto.

Many war memorials throughout Australia feature an artillery piece, some of which were Great War relics – often these were captured and returned to Australia as war trophies . Major R. S. Billett, in his book War Trophies from the First World War 1914 – 1918, identifies where these guns can be found and how they were allocated.

The Australian War Memorial has given pride of place to another part of it’s collection – The Menin Lions. These two large carved lions, originally guarded the Menin Gate at Ypres (Ieper),  now they greet visitors on their arrival at the Memorial. To find out more about these two medieval stone lions click here.

Photo: Menin Lions at the Australian War Memorial Canberra [AWM]

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The Families and Friends of the First AIF thanks the Australian, UK and French governments for affording Australian and British soldiers – presently buried in mass graves at Pheasant Wood – dignified individual reburials in a new CWGC cemetery at Fromelles, and urge those responsible to ensure all necessary scientific and other means are employed to properly identify each soldier.

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90th Anniversary.

Posted on 04/11/2008 by FFFAIF

 Next Week – 90th Anniversary

11 November 2008 is the 90th Anniversary of the signing of the Armistice which brought about the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front. When news of the end of the war reached the members of the A.I.F. it was often received with a mixture of excitement and caution until it could be officially confirmed. As illustrated by this extract from a soldier’s diary on The Australian War Memorials website:
“By JOVE!!! Crikey!!! What shall I say? We’ve just had a breathless bombardier … rush into the dugout, fall over the bed at the end and shout out some glorious news – can’t repeat it, as it’s strictly against orders to mention the subject … but you first note the date! Only hope this is dinkum as he swears it is! What a godsent Xmas box for the world!”

History tells us it was true and the day will be commemorated across Australia and the world. To see where you can attend a commemoration service check out our RECENT NEWS item Remembrance Day Venues.

Don’t forget to share your Remembrance Day commemorations: email your impressions to projectfffaif@yahoo.com.au

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The Families and Friends of the First AIF thanks the Australian, UK and French governments for affording Australian and British soldiers – presently buried in mass graves at Pheasant Wood – dignified individual reburials in a new CWGC cemetery at Fromelles, and urge those responsible to ensure all necessary scientific and other means are employed to properly identify each soldier.

Posted in Australian War Memorial, Commemorations, Remembrance Day | Comments Off on 90th Anniversary.

AGM – What's to see?

Posted on 04/11/2008 by FFFAIF

Members of the Families and Friends of the First AIF  and other visitors to Canberra, in the coming weeks, will have the opportunity to visit the following exhibitions:

‘Advancing to Victory’ on at the Australian War Memorial. The exhibition features key personalities and battles, and draws on the Memorial’s unique collections. On display are original maps, outstanding photographs, and remarkable works of art, some never displayed before.  Other treasures include medals awarded to Monash and Lord Birdwood, an 18-pounder field gun, and an exposed portion of a British Mark IV tank. For more information click here.

‘Billy Hughes and the War’ on at Old Parliament House covers Prime Minister Billy Hughes, the conscription debate and Australia’s involvement in the peace negotiations. For more information click here.

‘Shell-shocked: After the Armistice’ on at the National Archives of Australia commemorates the Armistice and the impact of World War I on Australian society. For more information click here.

Also a special Lest we forget: Commemorative event to mark the 90th anniversary of Armistice 1918 will be held at at the National Archives of Australia in Constitution Place on Sunday 9 November from 10.45 to 11.15am. For more information and a progam click here.

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The Families and Friends of the First AIF thanks the Australian, UK and French governments for affording Australian and British soldiers – presently buried in mass graves at Pheasant Wood – dignified individual reburials in a new CWGC cemetery at Fromelles, and urge those responsible to ensure all necessary scientific and other means are employed to properly identify each soldier.

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Bathurst War Memorial

Posted on 04/11/2008 by FFFAIF

Bathurst War Memorial Carillion Anniversary Celebrations

Photo: Bathurst War Memorial Carillion and Boer War Memorial [Alan Kitchen]

The 75th Anniversary Celebrations of the Carillion will take place on Sunday 9th November 2008 during the afternoon and continue into the evening. Activities on this special day will include:

  • Bathurst City & RSL Concert Band
  • Eglinton Public School Band & Infants Hand Bells
  • Scots School Pipe Band
  • Short tours of the ‘Eternal Flame level’ of the Carillion
  • Scouts and Guides activities
  • Old Carillion Photo Displays and Carillion Photographic Competition
  • Vintage and historic cars
  • Official Ceremony
  • 1st/19th Battalion RNSWR display
  • The Spice Girls, Ozscot Dancers
  • Carillion memorabilia and Carillion Writing Competition
  • Childrens Entertainment and Children’s Old Fashioned Games
  • Anniversary Cake and Food Stalls & Fun for All

For further information about Bathurst and surrounding attractions from The Bathurst Town and Around Website click here or call 02 6330 8455.

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The Families and Friends of the First AIF thanks the Australian, UK and French governments for affording Australian and British soldiers – presently buried in mass graves at Pheasant Wood – dignified individual reburials in a new CWGC cemetery at Fromelles, and urge those responsible to ensure all necessary scientific and other means are employed to properly identify each soldier.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

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*Gallipoli News

Posted on 28/10/2008 by FFFAIF

Gallipoli has been featured in two news stories this week.

Human remains have been uncovered during road works on the Second Ridge Road, leading across No Man’s Land.

Photo: Lone Pine from Second Ridge Road Gallipoli. [Munro Collection]

The media has been following the story and a selection of articles is listed below:

ABC News: Remains cut in two by Gallipoli roadworks. Click here. While on this page you can click on ‘Video’ to watch the news report. The ABC also has a photo gallery on line. Click here to view. Gallipoli bones will be looked after: RSL – click here to read comments by National President of the RSL

Melbourne Herald Sun: Government requests halt to roadworks after diggers remains found. Click here to read article.

The Australian: WW1 remains cut up at Gallipoli. Click here.

tvNZ.co.nz: More human remains at Gallipoli. Click here.

The Age: Gallipoli dozer uncovers mass graves. Click here.

Tuesday 28 October Sydney Morning Herald featured an article written by Turkey’s Ambassador to Australia, N. Murat Ersavci entitled  Lesson’s of Gallipoli. Click here to read the Ambassador’s view.

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The release of news on preliminary planning, for the Centenary of the landing of the Anzacs, has Gallipoli once again featuring in the media.

The Turkish ambassador is reported as stating that the ‘number of Australians and others attending the centenary of the Anzac landing at Gallipoli will have to be “limited”.

Photo: Tourist coaches at Gallipoli for 90th Anniversary. [Munro Collection]

To read the Sydney Morning Herald report, Turks to limit crowd at Gallipoli centenary, click here.

To read The Age article, Anzac mourners must be limited: Turkey, click here.

Photo: Visitors leaving the 2005 Dawn Service at Gallipoli. [Munro Collection]

Photo: 90th Anniversary Dawn Service, Gallipoli 2005. [Munro Collection]

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The Families and Friends of the First AIF thanks the Australian, UK and French governments for affording Australian and British soldiers – presently buried in mass graves at Pheasant Wood – dignified individual reburials in a new CWGC cemetery at Fromelles, and urge those responsible to ensure all necessary scientific and other means are employed to properly identify each soldier.

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