Fromelles Association of Australia Newsletter – June 2026
Welcome to the June 2026 edition of the Fromelles Association of Australia Newsletter. This edition includes the identification of Roy Leslie Martin, recent media coverage, a spotlight on the 54th Battalion, upcoming commemorative events, new videos, membership information and ways you can help support our work.
Contents
- Roy Leslie Martin Identified
- Media Coverage
- Spotlight on the 54th Battalion
- How You Can Help
- Fromelles Events 2026
- New Videos
- Membership & AGM
- Volunteers Required
Roy Leslie Martin Identified
In July 2026, Roy Leslie Martin will be commemorated at Pheasant Wood following his identification through research undertaken by the Fromelles Association of Australia in conjunction with the Unrecovered War Casualties – Army team and with the support of his family.
Roy was one of the many Australians killed during the Battle of Fromelles in July 1916. More than a century later, modern research and DNA analysis have enabled his identity to be restored.
Media Coverage
Recent media coverage has highlighted the continuing work to identify Australian soldiers recovered from Pheasant Wood and the role families play in that process.
Channel 7 News – Chris Reason Report
The identification of Roy Martin and the ongoing search for families was recently featured on Channel 7 News.
Spotlight on the 54th Battalion
Formed in Egypt in February 1916, the 54th Battalion was comprised primarily of Gallipoli veterans from the 2nd Battalion and reinforcements from New South Wales.
The battalion arrived in France in June 1916 and was committed to its first major battle at Fromelles on 19 July 1916.
Despite reaching and capturing sections of the German front line, the battalion suffered terrible casualties. More than 540 officers and men became casualties during the battle, including 102 listed as missing.
Since the discovery of the Pheasant Wood mass grave in 2008, 28 soldiers of the 54th Battalion have been positively identified.
Read more 54th Battalion stories
How You Can Help
DNA Research
DNA remains one of the most important tools available for identifying the remaining soldiers from Pheasant Wood.
- Y-DNA traces direct paternal lines.
- mtDNA traces direct maternal lines.
- Autosomal DNA can assist in confirming family relationships.
- Family photographs and family trees are also valuable.
Honouring Their Memory
- Share soldier stories.
- Provide family photographs.
- Assist with family history research.
- Contribute documents and letters.
- Attend commemorative services.
- Support education and remembrance activities.
Fromelles Events 2026
Sydney
Archibald Fountain
Procession to the Anzac Memorial
Melbourne
Shrine of Remembrance
Annual Fromelles Service
Ipswich
RSL Memorial Hall
Hosted by the 31st Battalion Association
Fromelles
Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery
Annual Commemorative Ceremony
New Videos
Latest Videos and Presentations
Explore recent videos covering the Battle of Fromelles, soldier identifications, family research and ongoing commemorative activities.
Membership and AGM
The Annual General Meeting of the Fromelles Association of Australia Incorporated will be held online via Zoom on Saturday 18 July 2026.
Members are encouraged to renew their membership and participate in the ongoing work of the Association.
Volunteers Required
The Association is seeking volunteers to assist with:
- Research
- Proofreading
- Family history enquiries
- Event support
- Website content
- Social media and communications
Every contribution helps preserve the stories of the men who served at Fromelles.
