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New Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery at Fromelles in Northern France

Commonwealth War Graves Commission   (National)


94 years to the day since thousands of men died at the Battle of Fromelles, the last of 250 First World War soldiers, recently discovered in communal graves, was today laid to rest in a new, purpose-built, Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery.

The dedication of the new Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery, which took place in the presence of HRH The Prince of Wales, began when the coffin of the last soldier was carried out of Pheasant Wood, location of the original graves, on a WWI Mark X General Service Wagon pulled by horses from the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery. The procession journeyed through the village of Fromelles, and was joined by HRH The Prince of Wales and Her Excellency the Governor- General of Australia Quentin Bryce, along with Chief of the General Staff General Sir David Richards, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, Australian Chief of Army, and soldiers from the British and Australian Armies.

HRH The Duke of Kent, who as President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, welcomed everyone to the event said:

 "It is right and fitting that these men – comrades, Allies and even two brothers – lie side by side in this beautiful cemetery – the first new war cemetery to be built by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in fifty years. They are lost no longer, and are here at last at peace."
 
The service was attended by hundreds of people from British and Australian families, whose relatives were killed in the battle. Many took part in the service, reading extracts from letters and diaries from those they lost. The coffin was borne by soldiers from the British and Australian Armies, and a joint Firing Party fired three shots, followed by a one minute silence.

Wreaths were then laid by HRH The Prince of Wales, HRH The Duke of Kent, HE Quentin Bryce, Governor-General of Australia and Monsieur Hubert Falco, the French Minister of State for Defence and Veterans.

The full list of names of Australian and British servicemen who may be among those now buried at Fromelles is available at www.fromelles.org.uk. 

Anyone believing they may be related to British soldiers buried at Fromelles should contact the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre, Fromelles@spva.mod.uk, 01452 712612 extension 6303.