THE sacrifice of the young Australians who fought in one of the nation’s darkest military chapters was remembered with solemn dignity in Ipswich on Sunday morning, as the Ipswich RSL Sub Branch marked the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles.
Veterans, dignitaries, community members and families gathered for the commemorative service to honour the courage, sacrifice and enduring legacy of the Australian soldiers who fought in the disastrous First World War battle on July 19, 1916.
The Battle of Fromelles remains one of the bloodiest 24 hours in Australian military history, with more than 5500 Australian casualties suffered in a single night during the ill-fated assault on German positions in northern France.
Sunday’s service reflected not only on the devastating human cost of the battle but also on the importance of ensuring those stories continue to be remembered more than a century later.
Among those attending were French Consul Alain Etchegary, Ipswich City Councillor Marnie Doyle representing Mayor Teresa Harding, RSL Queensland Vice President Arran Hassall CSC and former Governor- General Dame Quentin Bryce, whose presence added special significance to the anniversary.
The Last Post, performed by Brad Strong, echoed across the service before wreaths were laid in tribute to the Australians who never returned home.
Ipswich RSL Sub Branch thanked everyone who attended, saying the strong community support demonstrated that the service and sacrifice of those who gave so much for Australia would never be forgotten.
“By standing together in remembrance, we ensure that the stories of those brave men continue to be passed on to future generations,” the sub branch said.
