“Lost†Soldiers Saluted At Fromelles
- July 20th, 2010
- Posted by EUEditor
The remains of some 250 soldiers killed in the infamous battle of Fromelles, and lost for 90 years, have been formally re-buried in the new military cemetery there.
The soldiers, mostly Australians and British, were hastily buried in a common grave during the fighting, and only rediscovered through the efforts of a group of Australian civilians, who followed-up on local stories about the interment.
So far 96 have been identified through DNA sampling, and many of their relatives were among the thousands who have been visiting the site.
Troops used in an attack during the battle near the French city of Lille, commencing on 19 July 1916, suffered horrific casualties.
THE STORY OF FROMELLES. To follow the unfolding of the story of Fromelles, the battle and the recovery of the lost soldiers, see EUAustralia Online: Search “Fromellesâ€, for “ANZACS’ hardest battleâ€, 22.4.10; “Fromelles burials beginâ€, 31.1.10; Australia remembers – 90 years agoâ€, 10.11.08; and preceding reports.
Pictures ffaif.org