General

Where is Fromelles?
Fromelles village is located in northern France some 11km south of the French/Belgium border. It is 36 km north east of Arras and 8.5 km south west of Armentières. Google

What happened at Fromelles during the First World War?
The Battle of Fromelles began on 19 July 1916, 19 days after the opening of the Somme campaign. Although British forces had been in action in France and Belgium since 1914, Fromelles was the first major battle on the Western Front involving Australian troops who, until this time had been engaged in the Pacific, the Middle East and at Gallipoli.

How long did the battle last?
A seven-hour preparatory bombardment deprived the attack of surprise, and ultimately proved ineffective in subduing the well-entrenched defenders. The troops of the 5th Australian and 61st British Divisions attacked at 6pm on 19 July 1916. Small parts of the German trenches were captured by the 8th and 14th Australian Brigades, but, devoid of flanking support and subjected to fierce counter-attacks, they were forced to withdraw. By 8am on 20 July 1916, the battle was over.

How many casualties were there?
The 5th Australian Division suffered losses of 5,533 either killed, wounded, taken prisoner or missing, rendering it incapable of offensive action for many months; and the 61st British Division suffered 1,547 similar losses. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission's records suggest that between 19 and 20 July 1916 the Australian dead at Fromelles amounted to 1,780, the British 503. German casualties were over 1000.

Who is responsible for running the project?
The Fromelles Management Board (FMB) was established by the Australian and British Governments to manage and direct the Fromelles project. It is located in the United Kingdom and has representation from both the Australian Department of Defence and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence. The FMB liaises with key stakeholders, such as the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and French authorities, to achieve the project goals and objectives.

What is the Australian contribution to the project?
The Australian Fromelles Project Group (ASFPG) is the Australian contribution to the organisation and day-to-day running of the project. The four member team is part of Army Headquarters in Canberra.

How do I contact the ASFPG?
You can email the team at AHQ.fromelles@defence.gov.au or call toll-free on 1800 019 090.

How do I receive updates on the Project?
Weekly updates are published on the Project Updates section of this website and through the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website. Both sites contain detail on the current state of the project, images and important information for relatives and the media.

Will I receive direct contact from the ASFPG?
Yes, if you have registered you will be contacted by the ASFPG.

How many people are registered on the database?
At 15 December 2009, 1908 relatives had registered with the ASFPG.

How was the an original list of 191 soldiers developed?
In 2008 a list of 191 'most likely' soldiers was developed using a combination of historical records. Unfortunately a definitive list of those buried at Pheasant Wood does not exist. Army is also taking registrations from relatives of soldiers not included in the 191 if records indicate their relative died on the same day in the same place and there is nothing to indicate they were buried by Australian soldiers.

How many soldiers are registered on the database?
At 15 December, 629 soldiers had registered relatives recorded on the database. Army relies of relatives of the over 1300 Fromelles casualties with no known grave to contact us for registration. Soldiers and relatives are added to our lists as they contact us.

What does the being registered on the database mean?
Registration with Army provides descendants an opportunity to assist in the identification of those buried at Pheasant Wood. At present, no one can be certain of the identity of any of the soldiers buried at Pheasant Wood. Registered relatives of soldiers who fit the criteria of possibly being in the Pheasant Wood burial will receive project updates by mail and/or email.

How long will this project run?
The Fromelles Project will operate until 2014.