About the Fromelles Association of Australia

About the Fromelles Association of Australia

The Fromelles Association of Australia is a volunteer-led, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to commemorating those who fought and died in the Battle of Fromelles, France, in July 1916 — including Australian, British, and German soldiers. Our mission is to honour their sacrifice, support families in uncovering personal connections to the missing, and contribute to the ongoing identification of the unknown.

Our Objectives

As outlined in our Constitution, our primary aims are:

• To honour the sacrifice of soldiers who served at Fromelles and support their families.
• To promote, encourage, and document research that may assist in identifying the missing soldiers of the battle.
• To build strong relationships with families, researchers, the Australian Army, and the people of Fromelles.

These objectives guide every action we take — from historical research and DNA advocacy to community education and international collaboration.

What We Do

The main activities of the Fromelles Association of Australia focus on research, remembrance, and reconnection. Our work includes:

Genealogical Enquiries

We conduct family research across Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and elsewhere, following the trail of descendants who may help identify soldiers still missing from the Battle of Fromelles. Our volunteer genealogists play a vital role in tracing family lines from 1916 to the present day.

Commemoration

We promote remembrance of the Battle of Fromelles each year, especially on the 19th July, through participation in memorial services and events. These activities help ensure that the sacrifices of those who served are not forgotten.

Education and Soldier Stories

We explore the history of the battle, the ongoing search for living DNA donors, and the personal stories of individual soldiers. These sessions also reflect on the long-term impact that the loss of these men has had on their families and communities.

Government and Army Liaison

We work in close collaboration with official bodies, including the Australian Army’s Unrecovered War Casualties Unit, as well as government agencies both in Australia and overseas. These partnerships support our efforts to locate and identify the missing.

Family Contributions and Storytelling

Families often share personal details, photos, and records of their ancestors who fought at Fromelles. These contributions help us build detailed profiles and stories that are added to our online archive — turning ‘their’ soldier into one of ‘our’ soldiers, and ensuring they are remembered by name and story.

Who We Are

We are a group of volunteers from across Australia and beyond, including descendants of soldiers, historians, genealogists, and others with an interest in the Battle of Fromelles. Some of us have personal connections to those who served; others are drawn by a shared commitment to remembrance and research.

Since forming in 2014, our work has been entirely volunteer-based. Members contribute their time and skills to help uncover stories, trace family lines, and support efforts to identify the missing.

Membership is open to anyone interested in the history of the battle or in supporting our work to honour those who served at Fromelles.

Our Patrons

We are honoured to have the support of:

Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC,
Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia

and His Excellency Mr Simeon Beckett SC

Our Leadership Team (2024–2025)

The Fromelles Association is led by an elected Executive and supported by a skilled volunteer team:

Executive Committee:

• President: Geoffrey Benn
• Vice President & Publicity Officer: Bronwyn Stanley
• Secretary: Jim Smith
• Treasurer: Bill Irvine

Team Leaders:

• Genealogy: Royce Atkinson and Carla Miller
• Soldier Stories: Marg O’Leary and Bob Griffith

Our Annual General Meeting is held each July, where the Executive Committee is elected and the General Committee meets to review progress and guide future directions.

Our Funding and Structure

The Fromelles Association of Australia is not a registered charity. However, all funds received go directly toward research activities — including genealogical investigations, DNA connections, and commemorative outreach. 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.

You can read our Constitution by clicking on the following link.