After spending the morning at home, Alan Descamps, one of the owners of our gite, took us to the Fromelles museum. Here we met Monsieur Bailleul, who led us up two stories into the roof space of the town hall, where the museum is housed. He gave us an informative talk (with Philip translating) about the WWI events that took place in and around this town. It was very interesting and gave an excellent snapshot this period in history.
It was through Monsieur Bsilluel’s research that two German mass graves, containing 250 English and Australian soldiers, were able to be located. In 2008, with assistance from the Australian Government, the bodies were exhumed, and through DNA testing, over half were identified. If all goes well, a new museum, funded by the Australian Government will be constructed and most of his collection will be moved there.
It was through Monsieur Bsilluel’s research that two German mass graves, containing 250 English and Australian soldiers, were able to be located. In 2008, with assistance from the Australian Government, the bodies were exhumed, and through DNA testing, over half were identified. If all goes well, a new museum, funded by the Australian Government will be constructed and most of his collection will be moved there.
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