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Here is the photo taken from the CWGC site stating "Aerial photograph showing the village of Fromelles, Pheasant Wood, the site of the original burials and the site of the new cemetery."

Could a pal indicate where the original burials were and where the new cemetery will be situated

MTIA

Kevin

Hi Kevin,

I cannot help with the new cemetery other than another thread on here titled "Fromelles July 19th" and found at the following link contains some information including a trench map marking the original placement of the graves. The graves are marked as red dots, just N/E of Fromelles.

http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/i...showtopic=91592

I seem to remember that the landowner was planning on donating the current land the graves are on for a permanent memorial and/or cemetery.

I've taken the trench map and overlayed it on Google Earth for your reference.

Click to view attachment

kind regards,

Jim

Excellent stuff boys but,can you make it over to this place for the 9th May commemoration?

We could do with as many of you as can be there.
It is a big deal,as things go.
Dave.

The area that was recently exumed is the area marked by the 8 dots. There is now a memorial plaque at the site, with a path (very slippy when I was there) leading from near the church to the site. I'm sure I also read that the land has been donated by the owner.

Mick

This is a picture, looking from the E in AVENUE towards the church at Fromelles. South West I think.

Mick

The trench map overlay is correct. In the image posted by Kevin, Pheasant Wood is behind the church from the direction of the photograph. However, I am stunned to see the track of the lightrail visible in the image. That's it coming out of the edge of the wood and going diagonally across the fields. Don't ask me why it's still visible - I am dumbfounded.

A shake of the head and now, when you look at Kevin's image, the new cemetery is being placed on the left side of the road that is passing out the far-side of the village. It is the one that has been ploughed and is opposite the second last house on the right side of the road. The cemetery is being created inside the village because the people of Fromelles have said that they want them to be with them and not put somewhere outside. It is believed that the new Fromelles Museum will be located towards the front of the Cemetery.

Work has been stopped on the cemetery site because they found a 16 pound unexploded shell whilst digging there.

Regards, Peter

From the CWGC site, an aerial view of the new cemetery site..........
Tom
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Again from the CWG site...how the new cemetery will look....
Tom
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Very well done, Tom.
As if it's already there!

Roel

Peter,
What new museum ?

Tom,
Fantastic image, which website did you obtain that from? I can't find it.

Mick

I've posted elsewhere some photos from late evening 23rd April along with a map of the locations.

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/t...,308163.60.html

Glen

Nice update via your photographs Glen, thank you


Mick

Thanks Mick. I wasn't sure if I could upload photos with my posting record.

Mick the photos are from a special Fromelles site the CWGC have started to keep everyone informed on the progress of the project, here's the link...........

http://www.cwgc.org/fromelles/

regards
Tom

This new cemetery is going to be absolutely breath-taking and I admire the vision of those who are making it happen. During a time when penny-pinching is the name of the game, the commitment to this project is inspirational.

The BBC were filming at Soldiers of Oxfordshire two weeks ago. It is due to go out on the BBC news tomorrow evening 5/5/09 - when they have the blessing and start the dig.

Just to add...I think the CWGC must be congratulated on the quality of their site which is keeping all interested parties informed of progress. They have been criticised in the past for lack of information
given to the public, if this new website is a sign of things to come, they must be praised for the effort they are putting in publicising each step of a fascinating yet complex project.
Well done the CWGC..keep up the good work
regards
Tom

Agreed.

And thank you Tom for bringing the matter right up to date with those pictures and link.

Peter Barton spoke at WFA Petts Wood a few weeks back. He suggested it was possible that given recent DNA successes they may be able to achieve 2/3rds identification through that program. He also said that where the bodies currently are is quite waterlogged and not suitable for a new cemetery. I have to say the pictures of the new cemetery look stunning and I guess it will become a much visited place.

I will try and visit in June when I am in the region.

Oh......oops!

On the quiet, the exisiting Museum is bursting its seams in the Marie and a new home has to be found. There are discussions going on between the French Tourism authorites and the Australian Government to find a new home. It has been suggested that it could be near the front of the new cemetery. The preservation of the private Museum of Jean Letaille at Bullecourt is also being studied.

Btw, was at the "first-cut" Ceremony at the Mass Grave site yesterday. Lots of emotion as the ground was opened over Pit 4.


Regards, Peter

thanks for that Peter, look forward to it.

Mick