About us
The Fromelles Association of Australia
For those lost so far from home....
On 19 July 1916, thousands of Australian and British soldiers went into battle near the small French village of Fromelles. By the following morning, more than 5,500 Australian casualties had been suffered in what became Australia’s worst 24 hours of war.
Many of the men who died were buried in known cemeteries. Others were never found. More than a century later, the search for those missing soldiers continues.
The Fromelles Association of Australia exists to help ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten, their stories are preserved, and where possible, their identities are restored.
Our Mission
The Fromelles Association of Australia is a volunteer-led, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to:
- Honouring the men who fought and died at the Battle of Fromelles.
- Supporting families seeking connections to those who served.
- Assisting efforts to identify soldiers whose remains remain unknown.
- Preserving and sharing the personal stories behind the names on memorials.
- Educating future generations about the Battle of Fromelles and its legacy.
Every soldier deserves to be remembered by name, not just by number.
What We Do
Finding Families
Our volunteer genealogists trace family lines back through history to the present day to help locate descendants and potential DNA donors.
Soldier Stories
We research and publish biographies that remember soldiers as sons, brothers, husbands, fathers, workers and friends.
DNA Identification
We support identification efforts by working collaboratively with families, donors and UWCA-Army.
Commemoration
We promote remembrance of the Battle of Fromelles, especially around 19th-20th July.
Education
We share the history of Fromelles through the website, newsletters, presentations and digital resources.
Family Contributions
Families share photos, letters, records and memories that help turn names into personal stories.
Who We Are
We are descendants, historians, genealogists, researchers, educators and volunteers united by a shared commitment to the soldiers of Fromelles.
Some members have direct family connections to the battle. Others simply believe these men deserve to be remembered.
Since our incorporation in 2014, every aspect of our work has been undertaken by volunteers.
Our Patrons
Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
His Excellency Mr Simeon Beckett SC
Patron of the Fromelles Association of Australia
Leadership Team 2025–2026
Executive Committee
| President | Geoffrey Benn |
|---|---|
| Vice President & Communications Officer | Bronwyn Stanley |
| Vice President & Director of Genealogy | Carla Miller |
| Secretary | Jim Smith |
| Treasurer | Bill Irvine |
| Committee Member & Team Leader Soldier Stories | Marg O'Leary |
Team Leaders
| Genealogy | Carla Miller and Royce Atkinson |
|---|---|
| Soldier Stories | Marg O’Leary and Bob Griffith |
| Website & Media | Bronwyn Stanley and Zoe Wagner |
Funding and Structure
The Fromelles Association of Australia is not a registered charity. All funds received go directly toward research activities, including genealogical investigations, DNA connections, commemorative outreach, website development and historical preservation.
We operate entirely through the efforts of volunteers, with no paid staff. Our organisation was officially incorporated in 2014, and our current Constitution was adopted at our first AGM in that year.
Join Us
Whether you are a descendant, researcher, historian, student or simply someone interested in preserving this history, we welcome your involvement.