A very moving 108th Anniversary Commemoration (19th July 2024) held at the Ipswich RSL Honour Stone by the Ipswich RSL in conjunction with the 31st Infantry Battalion Association (Brisbane Branch). Honoured Special Guest was Mr Keith Payne VC AM,, a former member of both the 31st Battalion (1951) & 42nd Battalion (1975).
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Other honoured Guests were Brig Arran Hassell CSC, Commander of 8th Brigade Aust Army, Duputy RSL Qld President, Ms Wendy Taylor, Group Capt Dennis Tan, Senior Officer RAAF Base Amberley . Her Worship the Mayor of Ipswich Cr Teresa Harding, Mr Alain Etchegaray Hon Consul representing the French Ambassador to Australia, Maj Ed Dalheimer, Company Commander 31st/42nd Battalion RQR, The Hon Shayne Neumann MP, Member for Blair, Senator Paul Scarr ,Jennifer Howard MP, State Member for Ipswich.
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We were honoured to have the following Descendants of Soldiers who fought in the Battle of Fromelles –
Col Mark Plath Retd – representing– Lt Col Fred Toll DSO & Bar MBE VD, CO of 31st Battalion
Mr Keith Beardsmore – representing– Lt Col Henry Breardsmore DSO , 30th Battalion –
Ms Ann Kirby – representing – Sgt Cyril Kirby MM 31st Battalion
Lt Col Russell Linwood ASM Retd – representing – Pte Issac Linwood 31stBattalion
Mr Leo Rawlings – representing– Pte Frederick Rawlings 31st Battalion
Mr Bernie Delaney, Ms Siobhan Bouma & James Danaher 3rd – representing – Lt James Danaher 31st Battalion
Robert Doncaster- representing – Charles Christopher Doncaster 53rdBattalion
Additional we had Ms Deborah Gower representing the Mayor of Fromelles & the Fromelles Community lay a Wreath
Some photos of the Descendants at the Honour Stone after the Service. More to follow
We also mention the Service was live streamed on Ipswich RSL Facebook & can be viewed here – https://www.facebook.com/ipswichrsl/videos/1455856535298547
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Brig Arran Hassell CSC – Comd 8th Bde – Delivering Welcoming Address
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Group of 31st Battalion Association at 108th Commemoration of Battle of Fromelles at RSL Honour Stone Ipswich, Qld, Australia.
Members of the 31st Battalion Assoc with Keith Payne VC AM (Centre Front)
Maj Ed Dahlheimer, Coy Commander 31st/42nd Battalion, (In Uniform).
After the 108th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Fromelles at Ipswich.
Lt Col Russell Linwood ASM Retd (on the left of Keith) renewed their acquaintance & stories
from when Russell was a Cadet at Duntroon & Keith was an Instructor there.
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Wreaths Laid at the Fromelles Commemoration in Ipswich
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Keith engaged in conversation with fellow Vet.
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Overhead photo of 31st Battalion Assoc Battle of Fromelles 108th Anniversary Commemoration held at the Honour Stone at Ipswich RSL Memorial Hall, in conjunction with the Ipswich RSL sub branch.
A great attendance of over 100.
Grave Stone for William Brumby – One of the Missing 200 – Identified 2024 – Reinterred Pheasant Wood Cemetery, France – RIP – Lest We Forget
BRUMBY , William Christopher S/N 585 Pte
Born -Cones Homley, England
NOK (m) Mrs Eliza Rowle, South Someroakes, Lincolnshire, England
Enlistment Date 12-Jul-15 Melbourne, Victoria
Age 28 yrs Single C.of E. Labourer Address Sorrento, Victoria
Outcome KIA 2 0th Jul 1916 at Fromelles.
Remembered at Villers Bretonneux – France
Original, ‘C’ Coy, 31st Bn
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Pte William Christopher Brumby
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Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery Fromelles France 19th uly 2024
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31st Battalion Association Wreath placed during the Ceremony
Fromelles France 19th July 2024
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108th Battlle of Fromelles Commemoration at Fromelles, France
Commemoration Ceremony Fromelles France 19th July 2024
Address of Commemoration – 2024
MAJ Edward Dahlheimer
Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen, –
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- MR Keith Payne VC AM,
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- COMD 8th BDE BRIG Arran HASSEL CSC,
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- Deputy President RSL QLD Wendy Taylor,
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- President of the Ipswich RSL Mr Paul Rogers
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- The Federal Member for Blair the Honourable Shayne Neumann MP
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- State Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard MP –
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- Her Worship the Mayor of Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding,
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- Honorary Consul Representing the French Ambassador to Australia Mr Alain Etchegaray
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- Honoured Guests
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- Fellow Veterans, – Serving members, – Various Association Members – Descendants of those who served & Fell at the Battle of Fromelles,
and last but not least, The 31st Bn Assoc. & Ipswich RSL Sub Branch Members for the excellent work behind the scenes setting up this Commemoration to ensure we never forget the anniversary of this tragic day.
When I was asked to deliver this address, I was excited to further my historical knowledge of the deeds of those brave Australian Soldiers who embarked on adventure in a foreign land. For me to talk about the Battle of Fromelles I needed to go to the written words of LTCOL Fredrick TOLL and the War Diary of the 31st Bn AIF. I always find these documents have lots of information but it’s what is between the lines I enjoy. I found that the report, written by LTCOL TOLL to the COMD 8th BDE, to be very informative in laying out the plan he had and how the tragic operation on the 19th/20th July unfolded.
Late June found the Bn at Morbeque after traveling from Egypt via Marseilles, with C Coy the last to join the unit this brought the strength to 30 officers and 995 ORs. At Morbeque they would have completed final briefings, training and had practical displays of gassing. July 7th, they received Stand by orders to enter the line, July 8th 0115hrs movement orders issued and the 31st Bn marched to ESTARES then onto RUE DORMOIRE to relieve the 18th Bn. The Bn moved into the BOIS-GRENIER LINE relieving the 15th Bn as the reserve for the 29th Bn they moved back to the billets for rest on the 16th as initial orders had the operation starting on the 17th but due to heavy shelling on the billets and the support trenches it was delayed.
Some of the first causalities started on 16th July, the intelligence officer LT George Alfred STILL led a small team to conduct reconnaissance on enemy positions and disposition. CPL Alfred Carlyle DAY and PTE Robert Hurtle LUXMOORE were both WIA. DAY was an apprentice electrician who was born in Brisbane he was 19 years old. He received a GSW to his left buttock, he was RTA and MID for his actions prior to the operation. During those days leading up to the assault the Bn lost one officer and 34 ORs all WIA.
On 16th July, D Coy less one Platoon moved in to secure the right section of the BDE area the rest of the Bn was in reserve 300 yards behind the front. This area was shelled continuously so A & C Coys moved into billets to be protected from shelling. LTCOL Toll moved the Bn into BDE area with A Coy supported by B Coy and C Coy supported by D Coy broken into 4 waves with 2 platoons from each Coy in each wave. They were supported with Lewis Gunners and Signallers as runners, unfortunately 6 of the 8 signallers were killed or wounded during artillery fire.
On 19th July the Bn reported ready at 1600hrs, BHQ moved from support trenches to front line at 1730hr, the first wave crossed over the parapet at 1758hrs and began to cross no man’s land. The second waved stepped off at 1800hrs followed by the third and the fourth the CO decided that BHQ would join the third and fourth waves. When they reached the enemy trenches, it was noted what great destruction had taken place with dead and dying enemy. Sadly, due to the artillery from both sides and machine gun many of the 31st Bn were among the dead and wounded.
With most officers and NCOs killed or WIA, LTCOL Toll led the remnants of his Bn past the German frontline to about 200 yards but could not locate the other trenches, just open fields with water filled craters. This was very different to what aerial photos and reconnaissance had indicated. It was decided to consolidate and dig in about 250 yards from the German front line. The BHQ went through a box barrage for enemy guns, this is most likely when LT Still was partially buried and wounded, LTCOL TOLL and his staff conducted further reconnaissance out to about 400 yards and found a heavily fortified location. With MAJ Eckersley holding the forward position the CO went about to strengthen the German line and consolidate his scattered troops. At 1915hrs the first of many messages went to BDE asking then pleading for ammunition, tools, sandbags and reinforcements and they could not estimate the large number of casualties. They made contact with the 54th Bn and after some time they linked with the 32nd Bn who were well forward. At 2030hrs the forward position was untenable but asked to hold ground.
At 0230hrs 20 July the enemy counter attack started, pushing the advanced right flank back with grenades. At 0330hrs the left flank was pushed back. The main attack launched at 0530hrs and broke the fwd line which retired to their own lines, LTCOL Toll was the last to leave the German lines and cross no man’s land. PTE John Joseph GOULDING was one of the many lost on the night of the 19th July from one report stating he would not leave his post; he was reported wounded in a few accounts stating that he was most likely captured by the Germans. It was later reported that he died in Germany as a POW, but on 22 Oct 1919 a translated message dated 30 July 1916 stated, “Australian soldier J.J. Goulding of 31st Bn fell in the neighbourhood of Fromelles on 19 Jul 1916”. He was one of the many buried in the mass grave. There were letters sent to army requesting information of John’s fate, his mother’s request was very moving, and I will recite it now:
Dear sir,
I am writing to inquire of my son John Joseph GOULDING, No. 555. B. Company. 31st Battalion. A.I.F. who was reported missing since July 19th, 1916. I have not received anything belonging to him, but disc was sent from Germany sometime during 1917 with a promise that further inquiries would be made and I would be notified. Have heard no further of him. I have waited patiently with a aching heart for news of him if only I could know that he did not suffer too much from the huns if he fell in their hands which I have reasons to believe during that dreadful slaughter of Fleurbaix of which thousands of Australian Mothers has reasons to think seriously. My son left Australia to do his bit for the country he was born in England. He did not stand long but I do hope that something further will be made known to me although three years has passed it seems but as yesterday. I am still waiting.
First missing, then prisoner of war then killed in action. I know he was not the only one by thousands but he was my son just lent to me for 35 years and then missing. I know a good son, I believe a good man but do not know if a good soldier. He has paid the price as many others have done but in all the world there is no love like a mothers love for her children if she is ever so poor, if a true woman.
I have been trying to be patient for three years hoping but just today I thought perhaps you have forgotten but this I know that the war has just begun for mothers that dearly loved their boys all over the world. God help them to bear it. The suspense is what makes it so hard. Hoping this mail will bring some tidings or the next but one.
I cannot write more and I know you don’t want to read more. May I please ask will you try and find out if any record of him, my boy, and oblige.
(Sgd) Mrs. J. Alice Golding.
John was one of many lost during that attack, on 27th Jul the casualty report detailed 1 Off & 71 ORs KIA, 11 Off & 403 ORs WIA and 5 Off & 81 ORs MIA a total of 5 Off & 576 ORs. Reducing the Bn to 56% strength. One member of my family tree, SGT Edward Harris TULK, was one of the reinforcements posted to the 31st Bn in Sep 1969. When I read the war diary entry and the corresponding initial and detailed reports for the 19th/20th July I noted how much LTCOL TOLL recognised the efforts of the soldiers in his command under such arduous conditions. Some days after the operation he recommended officers and other ranks for outstanding contribution to the attack, most of whom received their commendations. But I suppose the following citation says it all about LTCOL Toll when he was awarded the DSO and Bar:
“This Officer has been with the Brigade since its formation and has always done his duty in a most conscientious and efficient manner.
During the operations in the Suez Canal Zone he was untiring in his efforts to obtain a high standard of efficiency and has always been an example to his Officers and men.
Lt. Colonel Toll displayed great gallantry all through the operations of 19/20th July 1916, at Petillon. He was slightly wounded at the commencement of the action and before the assault was made and he lost heavily in Officers and men. He led the 3rd and 4th waves over the parapet himself. Before reaching the enemy trenches 13 officers has (sic) been killed or wounded, including three Company Commanders. Lt Colonel Toll personally took charge and pushed on, making vigorous efforts to consolidate the position won, reconnoitring the enemy’s defences and taking prisoners. On the retirement he organised the troops on our original front line.”
At present the 31st/42nd Bn along with members of the 11th BDE are conducting EX Austral Shield in Cairns as part of the 2nd DIV mission to provide Home Land Security for our nation. As one of the Company Commanders in the 31st/42nd Bn I am extremely proud to serve in a unit with such a long history. The commitment my officers and soldiers display would make the men of the original 31st Bn proud. Two months ago our unit ran the first regular army recon course for the 2nd Division, this was an outstanding success qualifying both regular and reserve force reconnaissance soldiers and has enhanced the capability of the 2nd Div.
As per our motto – Semper paratus defendere / cede nullius..
Lest we forget
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The following is is a copy of the Address by the Bremer SHS Student at the 108th Anniversary Commemoration at Ipswich RSL Memorial Hall last Friday,19th July 2024. The Address was on the Commanding Officer of the 31st Battalion, 8th Brigade, Lt Col. Fred Toll. A remarkable effort by the Student –
Good morning and welcome, everyone,
Today, we gather to commemorate the 108th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles, a battle etched in the annals of history for its profound significance and the remarkable bravery of those who fought. As we stand here, our thoughts are with the countless soldiers who laid down their lives, their sacrifices forever shaping the course of history and the legacy of our nations.
The Battle of Fromelles, fought on July 19-20, 1916, was a defining moment for the Australian Imperial Force and the British Army on the Western Front. It was intended as a diversionary attack to draw German forces away from the Battle of the Somme, but it resulted in devastating losses. In less than 24 hours, over 5,500 Australian soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing, marking it as one of the darkest days in Australian military history.
Amidst this tragedy, stories of extraordinary valour and leadership emerged, illuminating the resilience and courage of our soldiers. One such story is that of Lieutenant Colonel Frederick William Toll, a name that resonates with honour and bravery.
Fred Toll’s military career began long before Fromelles. He served in the Boer War, earning commendations for his exemplary service. But it was at Fromelles where his heroism truly shone. As the commanding officer of the 31st Battalion, Fred Toll led his men with unwavering determination and strategic acumen in the face of overwhelming adversity.
During the chaos of battle, Toll’s leadership was instrumental in managing the intense and relentless enemy fire. His actions were marked by his steadfast commitment to his men and his mission. Under his command, the 31st Battalion exhibited remarkable tenacity, reflecting Toll’s own indomitable spirit. For his gallantry and distinguished service, Fred Toll was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO), a testament to his extraordinary leadership during one of the most challenging battles of the Great War.
Fred Toll’s story is not just a tale of military prowess but also of the enduring spirit of camaraderie and sacrifice that defines our armed forces. His bravery at Fromelles serves as a poignant reminder of the immense sacrifices made by so many. It is through the stories of individuals like Fred Toll that we connect with the broader narrative of courage and dedication that characterized the Battle of Fromelles.
As we remember the fallen today, let us also honour the spirit of those who survived, who carried the weight of their experiences and the memory of their comrades for the rest of their lives. Their legacy is our heritage, a reminder of the costs of war and the value of peace.
In closing, let us bow our heads in a moment of silence to pay tribute to all those who fought and fell at Fromelles. Their sacrifice and courage will never be forgotten, and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations. May we, the young and the old, rise to honour their memory and carry forward their spirits.
Thank you.
More Pictures From the Gallery
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