New war graves at Fromelles (Pheasant Woods) France

[Darren]

I visited the most recent Australian War Grave in Europe recently. It was the day after they had placed names on another 9 graves. I went to a talk a couple of years ago where Lambis Englezos and Tim Whitford spoke about their work and what they had found. Lambis had devoted over 10 years of his life to locating the mass graves and Tim became involved because he had a great uncle (Harry Willis aged 19) that had never been found. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Fromelles)

At the start of the excavations they discovered something that they believed belonged to Harry. This proved to be the case and they were able to positively identify Harry from DNA supplied by Tim's grandmother. Tim had told his grand mother many years before that he planned on joining the army and she was horrified. This is when he first heard the detailed story of his great uncle. Tim was able to tell his grand mother that they had found Harry and that he was going to get a proper burial. This was less than a month before she passed away. Tim is now the curator(?) of the Shrine of Rememberance in Melbourne.

[Darren]

Tim was serving in the army at Puckapunyal and I worked with his wife at the Seymour Hospital for some time. The family travelled to France for 3 months to be there for the excavation.

[Maureen K Clifford]

Its past might be steeped in blood but its present day appearance is full of peace and beauty. I hope the blokes interred there finally do rest in peace.

Must have been a very emotional moment Darren when you first saw it - great photos Mate, thank you for sharing.

Cheers

Maureen

[Rimeriter]

One can only agree with Maureen's observations.

Cleanest, precise images I have had the pleasure of viewing for some time.

"All the best mate".
Jim.

[Ron]

A visit that would have been a very sobering and fullfilling experience I imagine.
Hard to imagine the horror of the past there when looking at those photos.
Thanks Darren
Ron