Podcasts about fromelles

Send us a textWelcome to this latest episode in which we walk the battlefield of Fromelles.  On the evening of the 19th July 1916, men of the newly arrived Australian 5th Division were thrown into battle against the heavily fortified village of Fromelles in Artois.  In one night, over 5000 men were killed, wounded or missing and the line remained staunchly in German hands.We begin at Pheasant Wood and meander across the battlefield, visiting some key sites and hearing the stories of the men buried in the cemeteries in and around the old front lines.A walking map can be found on the website to allow you to follow the route - please see https://footstepsofthefallen.com/gallery/My apologies for the sound quality in the final segments of the episode. I don't know what happened with the microphone, but it all went wrong! Support the podcast:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/footstepsbloghttps://www.patreon.com/footstepsofthefallen

Lambis Englezos is well-known as the man who discovered a mass grave containing 250 Australian soldiers on the 1916 battlefield of Fromelles. This battle had been an unmitigated disaster, with more than 5500 Australians killed, wound or captured in only 20 hours of fighting. It is still remembered as the greatest military disaster in Australian history. In July 2025 Lambis will return to the Western Front to lead a special group tour, which will commemorate the anniversary of Fromelles and Pozieres, and also visit all the key Australian battlefields. In this episode he joins Mat to talk about the experience of walking the ground where the Anzacs fought, and why the French and Belgian battlefields continue to hold a special place in his heart.Join Lambis on this exclusive tour! Visit https://battlefields.com.au/fromelles-pozieres-anniversary-tour-2025/ for details.Presenter: Mat McLachlanGuest: Lambis EnglezosProducer: Jess StebnickiJoin one of our battlefield tours and walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs! Visit https://battlefields.com.au/ for more information.Find out everything Mat is doing with books, tours and media at https://linktr.ee/matmclachlanFor more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com, or subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/LivingHistoryTV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the 15th Brigade all be annihilated, the 14th and 8th Brigades tried desperately to hold onto their gains. But with their right flank open and the left under intense counter attack, the scattered parties were in a desperate situation. Spirited defensive counter attacks held the Germans at bay for a while, but diminishing supplies and the strength of German attacks snuffed out the pockets one by one. And then, when the Germans reoccupied their own trenches behind the Australians, cutting them off from their own front lines, things started to fall apart. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the initial attack halted, the men of the 5th Australian Division set about holding onto what they had managed to take. But confusion and lack of communication meant that the commanders back from the fighting didn't fully understand the situation. In ignorance of the true situation further attacks were ordered, then cancelled. But the battered 15th Brigade didn't get notified of the cancellation until it was too late. https://www.australianmilitaryhistorypodcast.com/patreon.com/user?u=46029761 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As promised, something to break up the Fromelles episodes a bit. I present unto Thee an attempt to explain the structure of the Australian Army throughout the years. I shall unravel the mysteries that surround battalions, platoons and Brigades, what's the difference between Non Commissioned and Commissioned ranks and just how it all combines to make the whole thing work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With all the planning done and dusted, there was nothing left to do except get going. The British 183rd and 184th Divisions, forming the right flank of the attack went forward and were almost immediately stopped in their tracks. The next in line was the Australian 15th Brigade, whose task was to attack the underside of the Sugarloaf. The preparatory bombardment had inflicted no serious damage on the Sugarloaf and the 15th would bear the brunt of the fire coming from that position. The 14th and then the 8th Brigades, further along to the left had some limited success, but time and manpower were wasted searching for the German second line trench. https://www.australianmilitaryhistorypodcast.com/patreon.com/user?u=46029761 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On 1st July 1916, General Haig launched his now infamous Somme Offensive. The opening days had been disastrous and something needed to be done to assist the British troops currently struggling against the strong German defence. To the north of the Somme, a salient jutting into the British lines, just near the little village of Fromelles. It was decided that a strong demonstration here would prevent the Germans from moving troops to the south to reinforce on the Somme. And so a demonstration was planned, and then cancelled, and then reinstated but with a different objective, then back to the original plan, but not yet, to then suddenly be urgent. Such was the back and forth and changing of plans that became the Battle of Fromelles.Website - https://www.australianmilitaryhistorypodcast.com/Patreon - patreon.com/user?u=46029761 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lambis Englezos est un historien amateur et chercheur sur les soldats australiens disparus de la Première Guerre mondiale à Fromelles. Il nous parle de ce pèlerinage annuel organisé par les Amis de la 15e Brigade commémorant la bataille de Fromelles en 1916. La cérémonie aura lieu au Shrine of Remembrance de Melbourne ce vendredi 19 juillet.

In this episode we'll take a look at the fascinating story of Australian troops on the Western Front. From the earliest combat at Gallipoli to their initial fights at Fromelles and Pozieres, through to their final experiences of the war in September 1918, we'll study one of the finest fighting Corps of the entire First World War. Do you like our podcast? Image: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C964 Then please leave us a review, it helps us a lot! Battle Guide Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BattleGuideVT Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/BattleGuide One time Support: https://battleguide.co.uk/nsq E-Mail: ⁠podcast@battleguide.co.uk⁠ If you want to keep your finger on the pulse of what the team at Battle Guide have been getting up to, why not sign up to our monthly newsletter: ⁠https://battleguide.co.uk/newsletter Twitter: @historian1914 @DanHillHistory @BattleguideVT Credits: - Host: Dr. Spencer Jones & Dan Hill - Production & Editing: Linus Klaßen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He was dubbed the most unpopular Australian AIF commander of World War I, thanks to a series of bungles and mismanagement.But was James McKay mad, bad, or just another hapless officer caught in the slaughter of the trenches?Military historian Mat McLachlan joins the show to discuss.More on Mat's work at: https://battlefields.com.au/Like the show? Go to heraldsun.com.au/ibaw for more See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we talk to an Australian amateur historian, Lambis Englezos, who discovered the remains of 250 Australian soldiers killed in the Battle of Fromelles in July 1916. Lambis talks passionately about how he proved that the men were buried at Pheasant Wood and how he then spent years convincing the authorities of the mass graves. He also reveals new information about the whereabouts of many more British men who fell in the same battle.

On today's show, David Richardson discusses the work of the world's largest "gardening" organization, responsible for tending to all UK and Commonwealth war graves around the world. GUEST 1 OVERVIEW: Magnus Stenlund is a Nordic history author and a Geopolitics and Economics Analyst. GUEST 2 OVERVIEW: David Richardson has dedicated over 35 years of his career to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), serving in various global areas of operation. Currently, he leads initiatives focused on performance standards, reducing chemicals and water usage, and ensuring that cemeteries and memorials are resilient in the face of challenges like climate change and extreme weather events. David has a horticulture degree from Bath University and has worked and lived in various locations, including the Gallipoli Peninsula. He also managed the archaeological excavation and construction of the CWGC cemetery at Pheasant Wood, Fromelles, France. David is a Chartered Fellow and the current President of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture, a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners, and a Trustee of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

On today's show, Geoffrey Benn discusses the recent discovery of the remains of WWI Australian soldiers.  GUEST 1 OVERVIEW: Geoffrey Benn is the President of the Fromelles Association of Australia and is author of the book Fromelles: 100 Years of Myths and Lies. He grew up on a farm in Northern New South Wales with the knowledge that his forebears served in Australia's Army armed forces in both World War I and his father in World War II. Geoffrey served himself in the Australian Army Reserve in infantry and signals units. He graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and served for 14 years in the courts and later in private suburban law practice. His website is http://www.fromelles.info/ GUEST 2 OVERVIEW: Bernie Finn was the most vocal conservative in the Victorian Parliament. A 23 year parliamentary veteran, Bernie was a beacon for traditional Liberal values - values not held by the party leadership. As a result of his strong stance on a number of issues, he was expelled from the parliamentary Liberal Party a little over 12 months ago. He subsequently joined the Democratic Labour Party and led it into the election last November. In an electorate over half a million, he missed out by just 210 votes. He hasn't backed away from promoting his views and is followed daily by almost 41,000 on Facebook.

In this episode we travel to Fromelles to tell the story of this tragic 24 hour battle through the eyes of the soldiers who were there. We walk the battlefield and visit the Australian Memorial Park on the old German front line and several cemeteries where the casualties are now at rest. We also attend the Menin Gate Ceremony in Ypres and talk to students and their teacher who participated in the ceremony.

Australian soldiers killed in a WW1 battle were identified using DNA analysis. Now, they'll be laid to rest by newly discovered relatives. Find out more about The Front podcast here and read about this story and more on The Australian's website or search for The Australian in your app store. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Kristen Amiet, and edited by Jasper Leak. Our regular host is Claire Harvey. The multimedia editor is Lia Tsamoglou, and original music composed by Jasper Leak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Michael Senior talks about his recent book Fromelles 1916. This explores the men from the Buckinghamshire village of Lee who fought and died in [...]

Steve Price speaks to war historian and founder of Battlefield Tours Mat McLachlan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10News First Political Editor Peter Van Onselen - Latest in politics  Campbelltown GP Dr Ken McCroary - Calls for Government to extend telehealth consultations  War Historian Mat McLachlan - Battle of Fromelles and Pozieres  Finance with Scott Phillips  Daily Telegraph political editor + Sky News Host James Morrow - Final Jan 6 Committee hearing  Celebrity Chef Colin Fassnidge - ClubsNSW Perfect Plate Awards  Food with John Lethlean See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Fordham has paid tribute to 5000+ Australians killed in a single night in 1916 on the Western Front.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mat is joined by historian Jo Hook to discuss the Battle of Fromelles in July 1916, Australia's darkest day on the battlefield. In 20 hours of fighting, 5533 men were killed, wounded or captured, and the echoes of this disastrous attack are still being felt today.Presenter: Mat McLachlanGuest: Jo HookProducer: Jess StebnickiJoin one of our battlefield tours and walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs! Visit www.battlefields.com.au for more information.For more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com, or subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/LivingHistoryTVDon't forget to subscribe and review the podcast! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this final instalment of The First Dismissal, we look at Robert Beardsmore's horrific experiences at Fromelles in 1916, his role in a 1922 soldier-settler controversy and at the 1929 Battle For Rothbury. Then came the 1932 Dismissal of Jack Lang. Afterwards, feted as a hero, Beardsmore was to play a part in the downfall of another NSW Premier – and his and Jack Lang's sons would have one final battle. To support the show: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia**PLEASE NOTE** I'll be archiving the below episodes soon. Please download now if you've not listened to them already.The Battle for Rothbury, The Bombing of Rothbury, In The Execution of their Duty, The Fugitive, Sydney's Red Year, Australia's First Serial Killer Manhunt and The Human Glove Mystery See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Following the Battle of Fromelles in 1916, 250 Australian soldiers were buried in a mass grave behind the German lines and lay unnoticed for nearly nine decades. Determined to find them, amateur historian Lambis Englezos, AM, led the efforts to discover where the missing soldiers were. Lambis shares the amazing story of the discovery and recovery of this group of Australia's war dead.    Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Lambis Englezos AM Editor: Kyle Watkins  Academic Adviser: Margaret Strike.

Welcome To Waffle-Free FAMILY Stories!This is the first in a series of wonderful conversations with people passionate about history, genetics, family history, memoirs, autobiographies and more. In this chat with Michelle Leonard, DNA Detective, we talk about: How she got to be a DNA Detective! How her work using DNA gave World War 2 soldiers named graves How to read your DNA report Why you should think twice about doing a DNA test! The risks of taking your DNA test Her wild adventures uncovering her own family tree and those of her clients Most important... how she can help you use DNA to fill the gaps in your family tree. Here's more about Michelle: Michelle Leonard is a professional genealogist, DNA detective, speaker, author and historian. She runs her own genealogy and DNA consultancy business, Genes & Genealogy, and specialises in solving unknown parentage and all manner of unknown ancestor mysteries using a combination of DNA expertise and conventional research methods. She also undertakes traditional family history research, living relative tracing, historical and television research, podcasts, tutoring, lecturing, bespoke family history books, webinars, speaking engagements, course creation and article, blog and book writing commissions. Michelle is a very experienced public speaker and regularly speaks in person at major genealogy events as well as to international audiences via webinars and e-conferences for established providers such as Legacy Family Tree Webinars. She is also a co-author of "Tracing Your Ancestors Using DNA: A Guide For Family Historians" published by Pen & Sword in June 2019 and regularly writes articles for publications such as Family Tree Magazine (UK). Michelle has been a leading member of the genetic genealogy community in the UK and Ireland for many years and is widely regarded as one of the UK's most experienced DNA detectives. She has a wealth of practical experience with adoption, unknown parentage, MPE, foundling and unknown ancestor cases and has a proven track record of solving mysteries using a combination of DNA analysis and traditional research methods. Her first involvement with using DNA for genealogical purposes came over a decade ago when she worked on the ground-breaking Fromelles Genealogy Project tracking down appropriate DNA donors to identify WWI soldiers buried in a mass grave in France and served as the Genealogical Consultant on the official Fromelles documentary "WW1: Finding The Lost Battalions". Additionally, Michelle is the official genetic genealogist of ancestryhour.co.uk and is one of the hosts of the hour itself: #AncestryHour takes place on Twitter each Tuesday evening from 7-8 pm GMT and Michelle is usually on hand to answer #DNA queries that arise. Michelle holds an M.A. in English and Modern History from the University of St Andrews and a PgCert in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies from the University of Strathclyde. She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), the Scottish Genealogy Network (SGN) and the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG). Links that will help you connect with Michelle:https://www.facebook.com/genesandgenealogy (Facebook page for Genes & Genealogy) https://twitter.com/GenealogyLass (GenealogyLass on Twitter) https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleleonardgenealogist/ (Michelle on LinkedIn) https://familytreewebinars.com/michelleleonard (Legacy Family Tree Webinars) https://www.ancestryhour.co.uk/michelle-leonard.html (AncestryHour) https://www.apgen.org/profiles/michelle-leonard (APG) With that said... Pour yourself a delicious mug of something, put your feet up, and join Michelle and me for this glorious conversation. When the conversation is done, feel free to meander around https://tinakonstant.com/ for more waffle-free tales and other stuff and nonsense. Never miss an episode! https://tinakonstant.com/join-waffle-free-storytelling/ (Click here)... Support this podcast

We’re back for a new season! In this episode Kate talks to Paul Backhouse, Head of the Historic England Archive. They cover tech skills in the heritage sector, imposter syndrome, the pandemic and a lot more. Paul is an archaeologist at heart, whose accidental career has spanned roles in graphics, publications, survey, archive, IT and telecoms. His projects include the complete 3D laser-scan survey of Stonehenge, the creation of an exhibition in Da Ming, China on the Archaeology of the Silk Road. The project he is most proud of, is his contribution to the excavation and identification of 400 First World War soldiers killed in the Battle of Fromelles in the Somme, France. Want to find out more? Find useful links and a full transcript on our blog: https://yorkcareers.wordpress.com/2021/04/28/what-do-you-actually-do-episode-40-paul-backhouse-head-of-the-historic-england-archive/

THE LAST CHAPTER by Eleanor Collins The century old mystery of the disappearance of Thomas Stanwell begins to unfold when a World War 1 mass grave is found at Fromelles. Thomas' great grandson is determined to find out what happened and travels from Australia to Europe in the quest to find answers. The rich tapestry of this family saga is woven with descendants from Australia, England, Scotland and Germany and covers the entire 20th Century. The mystery begins to unravel with an unexpected meeting in Glasgow. Eleanor Collins is a retired school teacher with a passion for history. Throughout history the narratives of battles have usually written from the perspective of the victors. In ‘The Last Chapter’ Eleanor has developed her knowledge and understanding of 20th century history to include insights from the perspectives of the vanquished. https://www.amazon.com/Last-Chapter-Eleanor-Collins/dp/1482836300/ http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/elemcgliganbt.mp3

In this episode, I talk about the fighting on the Somme in late July 1916. I start with First Army's diversionary attack at Fromelles on 19 July. Then I look at the Reserve Army's advance through and beyond Pozières. Next we see how the Fourth Army struggled to clear High Wood, Longueval, Delville Wood and Guillemont, as it tried to straighten its line.

On the edge of a small field near Fromelles, in northern France stands one of the most poignant and emblematic monuments anywhere on the Western Front.  Called "Cobbers" the statue depicts an Australian soldier carrying a wounded comrade on his back, and stands on the top of what was a German blockhouse.How did this memorial come about, and why does the village of Fromelles hold such significance to Australian military history?  We look at the events of the 19th July 1916, where the Australian army lost more men than on any other day in the Great War.While the battle has been largely forgotten, a remarkable archaeological discovery in 2002 led to the creation of the first war cemetery to be built in France for a generation and provided a remarkable insight into the fate of some of the men who lost their lives on that tragic day in 1916. 

Mat and Pete walk the 1916 battlefield of Fromelles, scene of the most costly 24 hours in Australian military history. Presenters: Mat McLachlan and Peter Smith Producer: Jess Stebnicki Don't forget to subscribe, and visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com for more great history content! Battle Walks is a Living History production.

Battlefield historian Peter Smith joins Mat to discuss the Battle of Fromelles, the most costly 24 hours in Australian military history. On this terrible day, 5533 Australians were killed, wounded or captured.  Presenter: Mat McLachlan Guest: Peter Smith Producer: Jess Stebnicki For more great history content, visit www.LivingHistoryTV.com, or subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/LivingHistoryTV Don't forget to subscribe and review the podcast!

Geoffrey Bouillet, historian at Museum of the Battle of Fromelles by Bruce Atkinson

This is a very short episode on the Glosters and their part at Fromelles. Short because? Well, unfortunately I can't find any written accounts of the battle by these boys. Famous war poet Ivor Gurney was in their sister battalion over to the right and one of his poems sounds just like Fromelles.

To the right of the Australian 5th Division at Fromelles was the 61st Division of the BEF. These were second line territorial troops that had never seen action before. They had slightly different problems to the Australians but both Divisions suffered from bad generalship and primary among these bad generals was Lieutenant General Sir Richard Haking. We look at the men of the 184th British Brigade, men that were part of the nick-named "Sixty-worst Division". I think this was unfair, see what you think!

Pompey Elliott's Australian 15th Brigade attacked the unbreakable 'Sugarloaf' on 19 July 1916. This is the story of this disastrous attack. Teddy Roosevelt befriended one of the survivors. Hear T.R.'s words and hear his friends description of Fromelles. This is some of what he wrote: "I lay for half an hour with my arms around the neck of a boy within a few yards of a German "listening post," while the man who was with me went back to try and find a stretcher. He told me he had neither mother nor friend, was brought up in an orphanage, and that no one cared whether he lived or died. But our hearts rubbed as we lay there, and we vowed lifelong friendship. It does not take long to make a friend under those circumstances, but he died in my arms and I do not know his name."

Mat sits down with Lambis Englezos, the Melbourne schoolteacher who discovered a mass grave containing 250 Australian soldiers killed at Fromelles in July 1916. In this emotional interview, Lambis discusses the process of discovering the mass grave, the obstacles that needed to be overcome and the fulfillment of a decade-long dream when the bodies were identified and reinterred. For more details visit www.battlefields.com.au

In this podcast we learn about the Fromelles Association of Australia and the Battle of Fromelles fought in World War I. Geoffrey Benn, Secretary of the Fromelles Association of Australia and Marg O’Leary Vice President of Research joins us. The Facebook page of the Association is https://www.facebook.com/Fromelles-Association-of-Australia-400714926696817/ We are keen to hear your feedback. Leave a comment on our Facebook page.  And if you're listening to us via ITunes, please leave a review. Finally, if you are interested in sponsorship/support of this podcast, head to our website or email us.  You can also support us via Patreon. The link is www.patreon.com/thanksforyourservice The version of the Last Post is courtesy of Rachel Bostock.  You can find links to her music on our website and Facebook page. Thanks for listening.

13 year, 11 month old Leonard Jackson was able to fool the enlistment officers and go overseas to Egypt but his father Joe wasn't fooled. It was impossible to find the lad among all the thousands of recruits in khaki so Joe enlisted and followed the boy. Instead of bringing Len home, Joe joined him in the 55th Battalion and both fought at Fromelles. Corporal Harold Roy Williams of the 56th Battalion wrote a successful book, "The Gallant Company". You'll love the story of "Skinny" Elliott and other real men of the 14th Brigade!

'The sergeant comes up shouting, "Hey! Haven't y' gone yet? Got cold feet?" "Cold feet yourself," Ted retorts. And then seeing Bert, who has been missing for some time, Ted produces a note-book and calls, "Here you are, Bert, write your next-of-kin's name and address." There is no farewell. They grasp their rifles, and Ted slings the phone over his shoulder. "You all set? Come on!" he calls, and away they go. He shouts "Good luck lads!" as they climb over the parapet. God! what sights they see out there. Huddled and stretched out bodies, khaki heaps that were once men. '

"A young sergeant led a section that passed in artillery formation, and I shall never forget that godlike youth while life shall last. To think of him now is an inspiration, for he was Australia, young, handsome, earnest, and grim. His eyes were lit with the flame of duty, and he never flinched beneath the swish of shrapnel that Fritz had now directed on our advancing troops. He led his brigade and could not falter." ... Lieutenant George H Wilson. Enough said!

Australian and South African forces arrive on the Western Front, and we explore a new interpretation of Fromelles and Delville Wood.

We get descriptions of the Battle of Fromelles, although painfully brief, from brother Vern, a good look at Delville Wood and the aftermath of the Flers engagement. Here is a bit of what Percy has to say; "Turned off to the left, to some old disused trenches, near where was a wrecked "tank", one of those Hun-dreaded monsters which are the latest development of modern warfare. This one did not look such a very terrible thing, and was much smaller than I had expected them to be. It was heavily armoured, and had machine-gun emplacements protruding from each side and in front, and had a steering wheel in rear. Side-on, it had the shape of an irregular ellipse, and it moved on two caterpillars, one on each side, running right over and under the machine from end to end. One of these caterpillars was broken, and was doubled up in a loop on top. This was my first view of one of His Majesty's Land Ships, of which we have read so much in the papers, and which did such good work at the capture of Flers, Martinpuich, Courcelette, and Ginchy".  Now, if that doesn't excite you, how about a bit of stretcher-bearing through deep feezing cold mud?

Well, finally Percy has us in the front line. Sniping and being sniped at, machine gun bullets over our heads in no-man's-land and heavy shelling behind the lines. Percy has no qualms about taking a dead man's water bottle or another's jack-knife. Percy is really becoming the old soldier now and .... his bad luck also holds out at the end!

Come with Percy into the reserve trenches at Sailly-sur-la Lys, which is near the soon to be infamous Fromelles. Listen to why Private Ogilvie nearly kills Private Williams and how does the 9th Battalion loses a lot of men without ever firing a shot! And finally Percy catches up with ..... no spoilers, but if you have followed every episode you will know who. This is the last episode recorded with my old microphone, good things to come.

In this episode Mick chats with Dr. Meleah Hampton, a historian at the Australian War Memorial. They discuss the Somme Campaign in the First World War; focusing on the battle of Pozières Ridge and it's significance in Australian military history. They also touch on the commemoration of war and Meleah's recently published book about Pozières. Meleah also provides a new and frank definition of war.  

Dr Ross McMullin, Christopher Wray and Neil Sharkey Friday 22 July 2016 July and August mark the centenary of the actions at Fromelles and Pozières on the Western Front. These two battles engaged all Australian Divisions on active service and resulted in staggering casualties, over 5,500 at Fromelles and over 23,000 at Pozières. Join historians and authors Dr Ross McMullin and Christopher Wray in discussion with Shrine Curator Neil Sharkey as they compare these two extraordinary battles. 

Susanna discusses WW1 with Glen, Irene has a harrowing tram journey and the Bagman reveals secrets of the election billboards

Ben speaks to Bruce Lees, the great grandson of 2nd Lt James Benson who fought in the Battle of Fromelles

On the 100th Anniversary of Australian troops joining the Battle of Fromelles, Ben speaks to Dan Tehan, the Minister for Veterans' Affairs

On 19 July 1916, the Australian 5th and British 61st Divisions attacked German positions near Fromelles. In less than 24 hours the 5th had suffered 5533 casualties, making the Battle of Fromelles one of the bloodiest battles in Australia’s military history and a costly introduction to the Western Front. On 18 July 2016, the Lowy Institute convened a panel of Dr Euan Graham, Director of the Lowy Institute’s International Security Program; Professors Hew Strachan from the University of St Andrews; Joan Beaumont from the Australian National University; and Jeffrey Grey from UNSW Canberra to reflect on the significance of Fromelles within the Allies’ strategy on the Western Front in 1916, and its wider social and national impact in Australia.

"Righto Don Company, over you go". In this episode, Len takes your on a train trip through 1916 France, then into the trenches of the Western Front for the first time. We here about life in the trenches near Fromelles before the famous battle and anecdotes about the Aussie digger mates he has made. Len takes us through the rear areas of The Somme and into the jump off trench near Pozieres. He then leaves us with a cliff hanger as he rushes from the trenches.

Wednesday 9 March 2016 - Peter FitzSimons AM   On 19 July 1916, 7,000 Australian soldiers – in the first major action of the AIF on the Western Front – attacked entrenched German positions at Fromelles in northern France. By the next day, there were over 5,500 casualties, including nearly 2,000 dead. Yet the sad truth is that, nearly a century on from those battles, Australians know only a fraction of what occurred. With his extraordinary vigour and commitment to research, Peter FitzSimons shows why this is a story about which all Australians can be proud. And Angry.

This is the introduction to my new podcast which aims to bring primary source material originally written by soldiers and other combatants in The Great War or World War One (WW1), if you prefer. These will be mostly the memoirs or diaries of Australians, at least at first, that is why it is called The WWI Digger Stories Podcast. The Australians fought in famous campaigns and battles like Gallipoli, The Somme, Ypres, Pozieres, Fromelles, Passchendaele and in the middle east at Gaza and Beersheba. They also served in less well known places like German New Guinea and at sea. Background material son the events described by the soldiers and biographical information on the individuals mentioned will be included. This is the intro redux recorded in January 2017, much improved over the early 2016. Phil Mannell

Lambis Englezos AM discusses the search for the missing men of the Battle of Fromelles. A team’s tireless search and advocacy over many years led to the discovery of a mass burial site for 250 soldiers lost since First World War. This search has led to the creation of the first new Commonwealth War Cemetery since World War II and has connected hundreds of families with their military heritage. This recording is part of the Shrine of Remembrance Regional Lecture series. The lecture was held on Monday 14 September 2015 at Ararat Regional Art Gallery, Ararat, Victoria, Australia.

By July 1918 the Australian Imperial Force or "AIF" was hardened by four bloody years of war – from the beaches and ravines of Gallipoli, to Fromelles, the Somme, Bullecourt, Messines, Passchendaele and Villers–Bretonneux - of the more than 295,000 Australians who served on the Western Front in the AIF - 46,000 would lose their lives and a further 132,000 would be wounded. Dur: 38mins File: .mp3

Thursday 19 June 2014 - Mr Tim Whitford   Join Tim Whitford, Shrine of Remembrance Education Officer, as he discusses the search for the missing men of the Battle of Fromelles. Tim’s tireless search and advocacy over many years led to the discovery of a mass burial site for 250 soldiers lost since the First World War. This search has led to the creation of the first new Commonwealth War Cemetery since the Second World War and has connected hundreds of families with their military heritage.

Tuesday 20 May 2014 - Mr Patrick Lindsay The Anzac spirit forms the bedrock of the Australian and New Zealand national characters. It was forged from a mateship which grew into something greater than the shared experiences of brothers-in-arms. The Gallipoli Campaign was a kind of crusade and a national rite of passage for three of the countries involved: Turkey, Australia and New Zealand. Each emerged from the devastating losses with an enhanced international reputation and its image clarified in its national consciousness. Patrick Lindsay is one of Australia’s leading non-fiction authors. He spent 25 years as a journalist and TV presenter before he began writing full-time in 2001. Since then he has written 20 books, including the best-sellers, The Spirit of Kokoda, The Spirit of The Digger, The Spirit of Gallipoli, Fromelles, Our Darkest Day, Cosgrove …Portrait of a Leader, The Coast Watchers and True Blue. Much of his work explores the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle that makes up what it means to be an Australian. He sees the Anzac Spirit as a key piece of the puzzle.  

Ross Coulthart As an investigative reporter for the Seven Network's Sunday Night program, Ross Coulthart was part of a team that discovered a massive collection of thousands of First World War glass plate photographic negatives, which had lain hidden in a French farmhouse attic for nearly 100 years. The stories behind some of these pictures formed the basis of Ross' best-selling book, The Lost Diggers. Join Ross for a glimpse into the lives of these men whose stories have been brought to life in the light of this remarkable discovery.

Tuesday 23 April- Birger Stichelbaut and Jean Bourgeois The Western Flanders region of the Western Front is indelibly linked with Australians at war and Anzac. Ghent based Belgian researchers, Birger Stichelbaut and Jean Bourgeois will talk about the application of large numbers of historical aerial photographs in Great War conflict archaeology.  Their research is based on the interpretation and mapping of more than 20,000 unique aerial photographs originating from collections all over the world including Australia.  The presentation will provide visual introduction to Great War aerial photography and conflict archaeology in Belgium.

Mr Tim Whitford and Mr Lambis Engelzos AM Join Lambis and Tim from the Shrine of Remembrance as they discuss the search for the missing men of the Battle of Fromelles. Lambis and Tim's tireless search and advocacy over many years led to the discovery of a mass burial site for 250 soldiers lost since World War I. This search has led to the creation of the first new Commonwealth War Cemetary since World War II and has connected hundreds of families with their military hertiage. 

Dr Peter Pederson. Much has been written, particularly in recent years, about the costly attack at Fromelles on 19 July 1916. If some have called it the forgotten battle, an epithet which was never really merited, they can hardly do so now. This talk will analyse various facets of the planning and execution of the attack and set them within the context of the tactical doctrine that guided the operations of the British Expeditionary Force at the time. 

Ross McMullin. Pompey Elliott was a charismatic, controversial and outstandingly successful Australian commander. He was significant in such major battles of the Great War as Fromelles, Polygon Wood and Villers-Brettonneux. An accomplished tactician and remarkably brave, he was renowned for never sending anyone anywhere he was not prepared to go himself. His tempestuousness generated numerous anecdotes that amused his men and disconcerted his superiors. Historian, Ross McMullin, has written an award-winning biography of Pompey Elliott. 

Documentary Screening 'The Lost Diggers of Fromelles' was screened on national television in the lead up to Anzac Day. The screening at the Shrine included an extended version of this documentary, including additional footage, interviews and a discussion with the makers. This is the behind-the-scenes story of the largest excavation of fallen First World War soldiers in modern times. Please note, this file only contains audio.

Lambis Englezos AM and Tim Whitford. Take this opportunity to attend the inaugral Shrine regional lecture. Lambis Englezos and Tim Whitford discuss the search for the missing men of Fromelles. Lambis' tireless research led to the discovery of a distinctive medallion at Pheasant Wood. That medallion belonged to Tim Whitford's great uncle and provided the first clue that the burial site had at last been found.