{"id":14993,"date":"2025-05-28T15:26:32","date_gmt":"2025-05-28T05:26:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fffaif.org.au\/?p=14993"},"modified":"2025-07-04T09:16:35","modified_gmt":"2025-07-03T23:16:35","slug":"fromelles-day-sydney-19-july-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fffaif.org.au\/?p=14993","title":{"rendered":"Fromelles Day Sydney 19 July 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

Fromelles Day Sydney Friday 19 July 2024: Commemorative Procession from the Archibald Fountain to the Anzac Memorial and Commemorative Service<\/strong><\/p>\n

A copy of this\u00a0Fromelles Day Sydney 19 July 2024 Commemorative Procession and Commemoration Souvenir<\/strong><\/em><\/a>\u00a0is available for downloading by\u00a0clicking on this link.<\/a><\/p>\n

Commemorative Procession from the Archibald Fountain to the Anzac Memorial<\/strong><\/p>\n

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 \u201cimportant raid\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

The Families and Friends of the First AIF in conjunction with the Trustees of the Anzac Memorial, hosted the Commemoration of the 108th <\/sup>anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles at The Anzac Memorial Hyde Park, Sydney on Friday 19th July 2024. While the Commemoration is in the post- COVID19 pandemic period, and there were no NSW Government\u2019s 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 2024 Fromelles commemoration service was held in fine weather and with an attendance of over 60 invited guests including dignitaries, the relatives of the men who served in the battle, and representatives of Remembrance and Veterans\u2019 groups.<\/p>\n

The Commemorative Procession leaving the Archibald Fountain.<\/p>\n

All images are by Michael Mannington for Community Photography unless otherwise acknowledged. [Click on images to see more detail<\/strong>]<\/p>\n

\"\"The Commemorative Procession steps off from the Archibald Fountain<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"The Commemorative Process in Hyde Park North<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u2019s Colour, the procession of 43 men and women made the 400-metre walk through Hyde Park, representing the crossing of \u201cno man\u2019s land\u201d during the battle, to enter the Memorial and assemble in the Auditorium.<\/p>\n

The Australian flag was carried by a Lance Corporal of the Sydney University Regiment, the French flag by a returned French veteran of the Algerian War, and the replica King\u2019s Colour by a representative of the 55th\/53rd Battalion Association. A drummer of the Australian Army Band-Sydney beat the pace for the Commemorative procession.<\/p>\n

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\nThe Commemorative Procession in Hyde Park North and crossing Park Street<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The Commemorative Procession re-enacted the final Parade of the veterans of the 5th<\/sup> Division on the 50th<\/sup> 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<\/em> is at Annexure C.<\/p>\n

\"\"The Commemorative Procession in Hyde Park South passing the Pool of Reflection<\/a><\/p>\n


\n\"\" <\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/em>Flag Ensigns Lance Corporal Norman X of Sydney University Regiment with M. Bernard Fontaine, French War Veterans of NSW and Colour Bearer Braith Gallard of the 55\/53Bn Association at the head of the Commemorative Procession.<\/p>\n

Civic Dignitaries and Consular representatives as well as representatives of ex-service and descendant organisations participated in the Commemorative Procession.<\/p>\n

Participants in the Commemorative Procession included:<\/p>\n

Australian National Flag bearer Lance Corporal Norman X of Sydney University Regiment;
\nFrench National Flag bearer Bernard Fontaine, representing the Association des Anciens Combatants Francais de Nouvelle Galles du Sud <\/em>(French Veterans Association of New South Wales);
\n55Bn King\u2019s Colours Bearer Braith Gallard of the 55\/53Bn Association;
\nAustralian Army Band-Sydney Drummer, XX<\/p>\n

Li Jason Yat-Sen MP, Member for Strathfield representing The Hon. Chris Minns MP, Premier of New South Wales and Chair, The Anzac Memorial Trustees and
\nthe Minister for Veterans, The Hon David Harris MP;<\/p>\n

Mark Hodges MP, The Member for Castle Hill, representing The Hon. Mark Speakman, MP NSW Opposition Leader and the Shadow Minister for Veterans Ms. Robyn Preston MP.<\/p>\n

His Excellency Mr Michel Goffin, Ambassador of Belgium.
\nMr. Ed Kitt, Deputy Consul-General of United Kingdom.
\nMr. Bill Dobbie, Consul-General of New Zealand.
\nM. Martin Juillard, Consul-General Republic of France.<\/p>\n

BRIG Robert Calhoun, representing MAJGEN David Thomae and the 2nd Australian Division.<\/p>\n

Dr. Carolyn Butler-Bowdon, State Librarian and Trustee of the Anzac Memorial Building.<\/p>\n

Ms Sonia Gregory, Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Commissioner NSW\/ACT.<\/p>\n

Howard Collins OBE, Coordinator General, Transport for NSW; with
\nBill Phippen OAM (52 NSW railway and tramway men died at Fromelles).<\/p>\n

LTCOL Ian Henderson (Rtd), representing the President, Remembrance Driveway Committee.<\/p>\n

Jean Louis Worobec, President, representing the Association des Anciens Combatants Francais de Nouvelle Galles du Sud (French War Veterans of NSW).<\/p>\n

Legatee Ian Thompson, President, Sydney Legacy.<\/p>\n

Frances Cairns representing the Military History Society of New South Wales<\/p>\n

MAJ John Hitchen (Rtd) member of RUSI NSW, the Military History Society of New South Wales and Western Front Association, whose Grandfather Cpl. Bill HITCHEN helped organised the Cooee March from Gilgandra;<\/p>\n

COL. Kim Turner RFD (Rtd) President, The Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies NSW;<\/p>\n

Roger Selby, President NSW Association of Jewish Service and Ex-Service Men & Women (NAJEX); and
\nPeter Allen,<\/strong> NSW Association of Jewish Service and Ex-Service Men & Women (NAJEX)\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ms Karen Dawson, Treasurer and Mrs Arline Ronsisvalle, Secretary (honouring Pte Albert JONES 55Bn, POW Fromelles) representing Australian World War One Descendants (AWWOD);
\nAnnette Tebb, descendant of Ernest JENTSCH, 53Bn, KIA Fromelles;
\nJulie Searant, Honouring her great uncles Lt James MURRAY (MBE) 55Bn & Lt Aubrey MURRAY (MC) 35Bn and Grandfather Sgt Harold MURRAY 30Bn;
\nLorraine Henshaw, FFFAIF member honouring her relative.
\nKristi-Ann Kane and Bruce Redman
\nVanessa Hicks
\nWarren Smith, FFFAIF Member<\/p>\n

Margaret Perry, whose father was a Warrant Officer and Bn Sgt Major in the 53\/55Bn
\nCarole Matthews, a member of the 55\/53Bn Association
\nRaelene Mills, a member of the 55\/53Bn Association<\/p>\n

John Moore, Masonic Sub-Branch RSL NSW<\/p>\n

Lisa Whitehouse, RSL Events Manager,<\/p>\n

Chris Bryett, FFFAIF Committee Member
\nFFFAIF Marshall Lt. Col. Paul Simadas RFD (also FFFAIF Vice President and Co-Chair Australian Branch of the Western Front Association).<\/p>\n

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Fromelles Commemorative Procession passed the Pool of Reflection on their way to the Anzac Memorial<\/p>\n

The Procession was greeted at the Anzac Memorial by:
\nMargaret Snodgrass OAM, FFFAIF Committee Member; and
\nSue Tongue, FFFAIF Committee Member, and
\nMaster of Ceremonies, Darren Mitchell, with
\nPiper Jim Braid, NSW Scottish Regimental Association Pipes and Drums, for Sgt James Dodd 53Bn and Pte Downie Dodd 55Bn KIA Fromelles;<\/p>\n

Also at the Anzac Memorial:<\/p>\n

Harry Allie BEM, Chair of the NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans Commemoration Service Committee;<\/p>\n

Fire + Rescue NSW Vocalist Carolynne Szady and her accompanist Graeme Press, and
\nBugler, Terry McCleary, Fire & Rescue NSW Band, for Capt. Gunter 54Bn;<\/p>\n

Chaplain Andrew Robinson, Deputy Command Chaplain, Headquarters Forces Command<\/p>\n

WO1 Darryl Holzhauser, Regimental Sergeant Major, Joint Ceremonial NSW of the Australian Army; and<\/p>\n

Queen Dunbar, State President, Families and Veterans Guild, formerly Australian War Widows NSW<\/p>\n

Josh, Oscar (11yr old) and Charlotte (9yr old) Graham, relatives of Pte Herbert James GRAHAM, 54Bn, whose named headstone was being unveiled in Fromelles that evening.<\/p>\n

Helen and Mark Bainbrigge. Helen is a relative of Ernest Frank Studdon, who served as WELLING, 30Bn whose named headstone was being unveiled in Fromelles that evening.<\/p>\n

Julie Eastgate
\nRene Herbert whose 20yr old Uncle Stanley George Herbert 53Bn was KIA at Fromelles.
\nEd Ronsisvalle<\/p>\n

With media coverage by:
\nPhotographer Mike Mannington, Community Photography; and
\n7 Network NEWS.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"
\nFFFAIF Committee Members Sue Tongue and Margaret Snodgrass
\nPiper Jim Braid piped the Procession into the Anzac Memorial; Sue Tongue and Margaret Snodgrass and Anzac Memorial staff greeted attendees who did not participate in the Procession.<\/a><\/p>\n

Special thanks go to the Procession Marshall, <\/strong>Lt. Col. Paul Simadas RFD, Vice President Families and Friends of the First AIF and Chairman, Australian Branch, Western Front Association who co-ordinated many of the arrangements for the Procession including liaising with the NSW Police and City of Sydney Events Team to ensure the security for the Procession and safe passage across Park Street and establishing the Order of Procession.<\/p>\n

Commemorative Service for the 108th<\/sup> Anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Commemorative Service was held in the Anzac Memorial Auditorium on the 92nd<\/sup> 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.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/a>\"\" <\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Australian National Flag bearer L. Cpl Norman XX and French National Flag bearer Bernard Fontaine placed the Australian and French National flags in the flagstand for the salute to commence the commemoration service.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/a>\"\" <\/a>\"\"
\nVocalist Firefighter Carolynne Szady with Accompanist Graeme Press leads O Valiant Hearts
\n<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Master of Ceremonies, and FFFAIF Member, Darren Mitchell welcomed guests to the Anzac Memorial. \u00a0After the Commemoration paused in reflection while the Last Post sounded as part of Anzac Memorial\u2019s Daily Service of Remembrance at 11 o\u2019clock Ceremony, with a Minute\u2019s silence followed by the Rouse, Darren then read a Vice Regal Message from Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, recently appointed as 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.<\/p>\n

Acknowledgement of Country<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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The Prologue<\/strong><\/p>\n

FFFAIF Committee member Mr John Sterne delivered the Prologue which included reference to his ancestor John Ernest Skene of the 30th Battalion.<\/p>\n

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FFFAIF Committee MemberJohn Skene and descendants of soldiers who fought in the Battle of Fromelles<\/p>\n

John invited those attending the Commemoration to indicate if they had relatives who had participated in the Battle of Fromelles.<\/p>\n

John also displayed pictures of the seven Australian soldiers recently identified by DNA analysis and recognised at CWGC Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery headstone dedication Service in France on this day.<\/p>\n

Pte Alfred William FITCH (ANSELL)<\/a>, No 2825, \u00a05th Pioneer Battalion 1886-1916<\/p>\n

Pte George Robert BARNATT<\/a>, No 1062, 29th Bn, D Company 1885-1916<\/p>\n

Cpl Percy George Archibald BARR<\/a>, No 3006, 54th Bn. 1896-1916<\/p>\n

Pte William Christopher BRUMBY<\/a>, No 585, 31st Bn, C Company 1885-1916<\/p>\n

Pte Herbert James GRAHAM<\/a>, No 3543, 54th Bn 1892-1916<\/p>\n

L.Cpl Harold Thomson SMITH<\/a>, No. 509, 8th Field Company Engineers 1896-1916<\/p>\n

Pte Ernest Frank (STUDDON) WELLING<\/a>, No. 1311, 30th Bn, C Coy 1884-1916<\/p>\n

\"\"

Alfred William FITCH served as Pte ANSELL<\/p><\/div>\n

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Pte George Robert BARNATT<\/p><\/div>\n

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Cpl Percy G. A. BARR<\/p><\/div>\n

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Pte William Christopher BRUMBY<\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Pte Herbert James GRAHAM<\/p><\/div>\n

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L.Cpl Harold SMITH<\/p><\/div>\n

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Pte Ernest Frank WELLING<\/p><\/div>\n

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Images from the Fromelles Association website Soldier Stories from the Battle of Fromelles<\/a> where detailed stories for hundreds of soldiers are presented.<\/p>\n

John welcomed Josh Graham and children Oscar (11yr old) and Charlotte (9yr old) as relatives of Pte Herbert James GRAHAM, 54Bn, whose named headstone was being unveiled in Fromelles during their commemorative service that evening.<\/p>\n

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Also present was Helen Bainbrigge, whose grandmother’s brother was Ernest Frank Studdon, who served as Welling, 30Bn, His named headstone was also being unveiled in Fromelles during their commemorative service that evening.<\/p>\n

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Images from the Fromelles Association website Soldier Stories from the Battle of Fromelles<\/a><\/p>\n

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Padre Andrew Robinson, Deputy Command Chaplain, Headquarters Forces Command 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 \u201clost\u201d have now been found and those did not have a final resting place and now do.<\/p>\n

Vocalist Firefighter Carolynne Szadey then led the singing of Abide with Me.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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Fire + Rescue NSW Vocalist Firewoman Carolynne Szadey leads Abide With Me<\/em><\/p>\n

A Family Reflection: Albert Jones<\/strong><\/p>\n

Arline Ronsisvalle delivered the Family Reflection for her Great Uncle, Pte. Albert Jones of the 55th Battalion, who was taken prisoner at Fromelles and spent the rest of the war in PoW camps.<\/p>\n

Albert was a 33year old Metal ceiling fixer (installing pressed metal ceilings) when he enlisted in September 1916. Initially a reinforcement in the 17Bn with Service Number #3097, he transferred to the 55Bn in February 1916 at Tel-el-Kebir, Egypt. The Battle of Fromelles was his first and only battle experience.<\/p>\n

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\"\"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<\/a><\/p>\n

During his time in prison camps, Albert performed in musical and stage performances to entertain his POW colleagues. Fortunately, the AWM has a collection of photos featuring Albert.<\/p>\n

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The camp barracks and theatre for Prisoners of War (POW) at Dulmen POW Camp, Germany AWM P1981.059 and AWM P03236.275 ARCS<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Pte Albert Jones and Pte Matthew Findlay; Right: Australian POWs in concert costumes – Sgt John Trevenion, Pte Albert Jones and Pte Matthew Findlay AWM P03236.079<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

–
\nPte Albert Jones and Pte Matthew Finlay in both \u2018Pierrette\u2019s Awakening\u2019 and ‘Painless Dentistry’ theatrical productions at Soltau POW camp near Hanover, Germany. AWM P01981.039 and AWM P08218.003<\/p>\n

Albert Jones survived the war and Returned to Australia, but died 8 years later, aged 45 years.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"Images supplied by Arlene Ronsisvale<\/a><\/p>\n

Albert Jones is remembered by his family, who honour his memory each year in the ANZAC Day March with the Australian World War One Descendants (AWWOD) contingent and the Fromelles Day Commemoration.<\/p>\n

Padre Andrew Robinson led a Prayer and Blessing.<\/p>\n

A Message from France<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Consul-General for the Republic of France, Mr. Martin Juillard delivered a Message from France, expressing appreciation for Australian support since The Great War and continuing today.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

M. Martin Juillard delivers a Message from France<\/p>\n

As democracies, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Belgium and France have many shared values, as was the case during the Great War \u2013 typified by friendship, loyalty and what Australians call \u201cmateship\u201d and we French call \u201cfraternity\u201d \u2013 and it is important that we transmit these values to the new generations.<\/p>\n

The Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Brigadier Allan Murray provided the Epilogue which included reference to his ancestor Driver Willy Thompson of the 30th Battalion and how Willy\u2019s 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.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

BRIG Murray concluded that honouring all of the men involved in the battle of Fromelles and the 5th Division, and appreciating impact on their families through the generations is important in our resolve for peace, Lest we Forget.<\/p>\n

\"\"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.<\/p>\n

Carolynne then sang The Recessional<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n

\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

The Hall of Memory viewed through the Ocular above the Hall of Service and the sculpture Sacrifice<\/p>\n

Wreath laying, Casting Commemorative Stars and the Last Post Ceremony<\/strong><\/p>\n

Master of Ceremonies Darren Mitchell explained the significance of the commemorative ceremonies in the Hall of Memory.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Gathering for wreath-laying in the Hall of Memory<\/p>\n

Laying the wreath for the 5th<\/sup> Division<\/strong><\/p>\n

In 1966, more than 500 veterans of the 5th<\/sup> Division marked the 50th<\/sup> 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 <\/em>and Extract from Reveille<\/em> May 1966 and September 1966).<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The Trustees agreed to this and each year the 5th<\/sup> Division AIF Wreath Stand has been brought out to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle at Fromelles, usually the 19th<\/sup> 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).<\/p>\n

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 Peter Dowling, Secretary of the 55\/53Bn Association.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a> \"\" <\/a>\"\"Peter Dowling laying wreath in tribute to 5th Division<\/a><\/p>\n

Commemorative Wreath laying in Hall of Memory<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Master of Ceremonies Darren Mitchell then called forward the following dignitaries to lay their wreaths:<\/p>\n

Li Jason Yat-Sen MP, Member for Strathfield representing The Hon. Chris Minns MP, Premier of New South Wales and Chair, The Anzac Memorial Trustees and
\nthe Minister for Veterans, The Hon David Harris MP.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a> \"\"<\/a> \"\"<\/a>
\nLeft to right: Piper Jim Braid playing a Lament; Jeff O’Brien, State Secretary, Returned and Services League of Australia & custodian of the Anzac Memorial laying a wreath on behalf of the RSL NSW for those who served; and\u00a0 Consul-General Republic of France M. Martin Juillard, laying a wreath on behalf of the Citizens of France.<\/p>\n

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Consul-General of New Zealand Mr. Bill Dobbie laying a wreath on behalf of the Citizens of New Zealand and
\nDeputy Consul-General of United Kingdom Mr. Ed Kitt laying a wreath on behalf of the Citizens of United Kingdom;
\nThe Ambassador of Belgium, His Excellency Mr Michel Goffin, laying a wreath on behalf of the Citizens of Belgium.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a> \"\"<\/a> \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

BRIG Robert Calhoun, representing MAJGEN David Thomae and the 2nd Australian Division Wreath on behalf of The Australian Defence Forces for those who have and currently serve.
\nMs Sonia Gregory, Deputy Commissioner NSW & ACT, representing the Department of Veterans\u2019 Affairs laying a wreath for War Veterans.
\nQueen Dunbar, State President, Families and Veterans Guild, formerly Australian War Widows NSW (no image)
\nSue Tongue, Committee Member, Families and Friends of the First AIF laying a wreath for the Fallen at Fromelles.<\/p>\n

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BRIG Allan Murray and Arline Ronsisvalle, representing Australian World War One Descendants (AWWOD) laying a wreath on behalf of World War One descendants;
\nAnnette Tebb, descendant of Ernest Jentsch, 53Bn, KIA Fromelles and honouring Ernest and those soldiers now lying in Pheasant Wood Cemetery;
\nHoward Collins OBE, Coordinator General, Transport for NSW with Bill Phippen OAM laying a wreath for the 52 NSW railway and tramway men who died at Fromelles and those who survived;
\nIan Thompson, President, Sydney Legacy (no image).<\/p>\n

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Wreaths in memory of 5th Division; by Consul-General of New Zealand; by Consul-General of France; and for the Fallen and for the 5th Division soldiers at Fromelles.<\/p>\n

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Images by Community Photography<\/p>\n

The Last Post Ceremony<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The Ode was recited by BRIG Robert Calhoun representing
\nMajor General David Thomae AM, Commander Second Australian Division<\/p>\n

The Last Post was sounded by Terry McCleary of the Fire + Rescue NSW Band followed by The Silence and The Rouse.\u00a0 Terry\u2019s wife Leonie is a relative of Captain Archibald Gunter MC, 54th<\/sup> Bn, Wounded at Fromelles.<\/p>\n

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\nThe Last Post sounded by Bugler Terry McCleary of the Fire + Rescue NSW Band<\/p>\n

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Contemplation during The Silence<\/p>\n

Terry McCleary then sounded The Rouse<\/p>\n

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Commemorative Stars<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Descendants who were not able to attend due to the capacity limits applying at the Anzac Memorial were invited to send the names of soldier they wished to commemorate. The names of soldiers nominated for commemoration were added to Commemorative Stars of the same shape and colour as the 120,000 stars fixed in the Dome of Stars above the Hall of Memory Soldiers commemorated included those 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.<\/p>\n

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BRIG Robert Calhoun, Mark Hodges MP, DVA\u2019s Sonia Gregory and Chaplain Andrew Robinson receive Commemorative Stars from Anzac Memorial staff member Duncan and FFFAIF Committee Member Sue Tongue<\/p>\n

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. They were invited to cast it into the Well of Contemplation following a moment of reflection.<\/p>\n

Stars released into the Well are collected and later cremated at Rookwood Cemetery. The ashes are carried on annual pilgrimages by the Premier\u2019s Anzac Memorial Scholars to the key battlefield sites of\u00a0the Western Front, Gallipoli, the Middle East and Asia.<\/p>\n

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Reflection before casting the Commemorative Stars into the Well of Contemplation.<\/p>\n

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Visitors, Sonia Gregory, Harry Allie, John Hitchen, Kim Turner, Rene Herbert<\/p>\n

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The sculpture Sacrifice<\/em> in the Hall of Silence and the Commemorative Stars<\/p>\n

Vocalist Firewoman Carolynne Szady led the singing of the Australian National Anthem to conclude the Commemorative Service.<\/p>\n

Post Commemoration<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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ANZAC Chapel at the RSL Life Care ANZAC Village at Narrabeen \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Images by Jim Munro<\/p>\n

In Appreciation<\/strong><\/p>\n

Special thanks go to the Trustees of the Anzac Memorial, their staff, and volunteers for facilitating and assisting in the Commemorative Service.<\/p>\n

Also thanks to Michael Mannington, for Community Photography has created a good photographic record of the Commemoration and to the 7 Network News team for coverage.<\/p>\n

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, ?? and Duncan ? 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.<\/p>\n

A special thanks to the florists who prepared the wreaths as floral tributes, with special appreciation to Bloomey\u2019s Floral Designs for the 4 wreaths that they supplied. Thanks also to those 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.<\/p>\n

Gallery of Thanks<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Australian Army Support<\/strong><\/p>\n

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WO Class One Darryl Holzhauser, Regimental Sergeant Major, Joint Ceremonial NSW, Australian Army Band Sydney Drummer YY?, Lance Corporal Norman X? from Sydney University Regiment with Bernard Fontain.<\/p>\n

French Veterans and 55\/53 Bn Association<\/strong><\/p>\n

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French Veterans Flag Bearer Bernard Fontain and President, Jean Louis Worobec, 55Bn King\u2019s Colours Bearer Braith Gallard, Secretary Peter Dowling, Carole Matthews, Rae Mills and Marg Perry of the 55\/53Bn Association.<\/p>\n

Special Guests<\/strong><\/p>\n

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His Excellency Mr Michel Goffin, Ambassador of Belgium; Mr. Ed Kitt, Deputy Consul-General of United Kingdom; Mr. Bill Dobbie, Consul-General of New Zealand; and M. Martin Juillard, Consul-General Republic of France.<\/p>\n

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Li Jason Yat-Sen MP, Member for Strathfield; Mark Hodges MP, The Member for Castle Hill; Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon State Librarian and Trustee; Ms Sonia Gregory, Department of Veterans Affairs Deputy Commissioner NSW\/ACT; Queen Dunbar, State President, Families and Veterans Guild.<\/p>\n

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MC Darren Mitchell with Remembrance Driveway Committee LTCOL Ian Henderson, BRIG Robert Calhoun and Transport for NSW Howard Collins with Bill Phippen.<\/p>\n

Anzac Memorial Custodian and staff<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Custodian and RSLNSW Secretary Jeff O\u2019Brien, Duncan ?, ??, James Grey<\/p>\n

Speakers<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Uncle Harry Allie, John Skene, Chaplain Andrew Robinson, Arline Ronsisvale, BRIG Allan Murray<\/p>\n

Vocalist and Musical support<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Fire + Rescue NSW Vocalist Carolynne Szady, Accompanist Graeme Press, Piper Jim Braid and Bugler Terry McCleary<\/p>\n

FFFAIF Working Group<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Procession Marshall LTCOL Paul Simadas, Committee Members Sue Tongue and Margaret Snodgrass, Master of Ceremonies Darren Mitchell and seen in other images Chris Bryett and John Skene<\/p>\n

Absent at the Commemoration in Fromelles Committee Members Jill Hayes, Geoffrey Benn and Jim Munro<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A copy of this report with photographs has been posted to the FFFAIF website at www.fffaif.org.au<\/a> and some photographs are at Families and Friends of the First AIF – Home | Facebook<\/a> for viewing.<\/p>\n

Lest We Forget<\/p>\n

Paul Simadas, Vice-president \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jim Munro, President<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Annexures<\/strong><\/p>\n

Annexure A: <\/strong>Vice Regal Message from
\nHer Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, ,
\n<\/strong>Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Annexure B: Order of Service<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Annexure C: <\/strong>A record of the Parade and Ceremony held in Hyde Park on 19 July 1966<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Fromelles Day Sydney Friday 19 July 2024: Commemorative Procession from the Archibald Fountain to the Anzac Memorial and Commemorative Service A copy of this\u00a0Fromelles Day Sydney 19 July 2024 Commemorative Procession and Commemoration Souvenir\u00a0is available for downloading by\u00a0clicking on this … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[67,106],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14993","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-commemorations","category-fromelles"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fffaif.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14993","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fffaif.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fffaif.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fffaif.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fffaif.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=14993"}],"version-history":[{"count":85,"href":"https:\/\/fffaif.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14993\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15320,"href":"https:\/\/fffaif.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14993\/revisions\/15320"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fffaif.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=14993"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fffaif.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=14993"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fffaif.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=14993"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}