We arrived Sunday evening to our farm-stay B&B. The hostess remarked that the people of the
region were very grateful to the Australian soldiers who fought against the
Germans in the Great War. She added, “Fromelles was important”.
Visiting Fromelles was eerie. Low
(foggy) clouds and a frigid wind created a gloomy atmosphere. We visited the cemetery at Fromelles/Pheasant
Wood and VC Corner where the comparatively few identified victims of this
wasteful exercise in war had recently been laid to rest (5533 Australian
soldiers were killed, wounded or missing), as well as the Cobber’s Memorial. It
was good to see that despite the weather a number of small tour groups were
visiting these sites. Thanks to Albert (tour guide) who helped us find our way.
A visit to the Canadian memorial near Vimy was a large contrast - their
efforts resulted in securing Vimy Ridge - what a difference planning and
training made to this outcome.
We appreciate and are
thankful for the incredible sacrifices of the soldiers and their families who
fought a turf war for an empire, and this strengthens our realisation as to the
futility of war.
For those who don’t know my
connection with Fromelles: my great grandfather’s cousin, Allan Bennett was one
of the soldiers identified. I was contacted by a military researcher some years
ago and helped to find the relations who provided the DNA. I have come in
contact with new cousins (in WA) in the process.
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| Grave of Allan Bennett |
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| Grave of unknown Australian soldier |
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| Cobber's Memorial |
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| Fromelles / Pheasant Wood cemetery |
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| VC Corner |
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| Ferme de Rosembois B&B |
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