Monthly Archives: June 2026

Pte Harry Willis – The Key to The Missing Men From the Battle of Fromelles

The Battle of Fromelles was fought in northern France on 19/20th July 1916. It has been described as the worst 24 hours in Australian Military history because of the horrific number of casualties (5,0000) in such a short period of time. Regimental No 983 Pte Harry Willis was one of the diggers who fought and died in this battle.

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Harry was a farm labourer who grew up in the South Gippsland area of Victoria on a farmlet near Alberton. He Enlisted at the age of 19 at Yarram on 14th July 1915.  He was posted to the 31st Battalion, a part of the 8th Brigade of the 5th Division. After training in Egypt he was deployed with the Battalion to the western Front in Northern France not far from the Belgian Border. It was here that the 5th Division, with very little preparation,  was, within days,  disastrously plunged into the Battle of Fromelles.

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One of the things that Harry carried with him into battle was a medal issued by the Shire of Alberton and this was to become a key means of identifying that an Australian soldier was buried in unmarked grave pit along with 250 others. This grave pit was adjacent to Pheasant Wood on the German side of the line where bodies had been collected by German burial parties in the aftermath of the battle. These missing bodies lay undetected for almost 100 years after the tragic battle.

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The search for the missing soldiers from the battle of Fromelles has featured in a number of articles on this website. These articles can be retrieved by typing the name Lambis Englezos in the search Bar of this website. Lambis is the prime researcher and motivator who over many years of persistent effort was responsible for locating Harry Willis and the other missing 250 soldiers from the battle.

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More recently at the behest of the Military Historical Society Of Australia, Lambis also delivered an interesting lecture at the Gaythorne RSL Brisbane (19th February 2026) outlining the processes, battles and struggles he undertook to provide some final dignity for these missing diggers.

Link To Lecture By Lambis Englezos on His Search for the Missing Soldiers From The Battle of Fromelles

 

A boyish Looking Harry Willis after Enlisting

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The Alberton Medal – Issued to Harry Willis by the Shire of Alberton – Found at the

Pheasant Wood Grave Pits – Proof Positive that The Bodies Found Were Australian

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A more complete story of Harry Willis has been written by Tim Whitford who is a descendent of the Willis family. The story is included on the website of The Fromelles Association of Australia Story. A link is provided below.

Link To Fromelles Association Of Australia Site Featuring Harry Willis

Commemoration of Battle of Fromelles – Ipswich – 2026

The Commemoration of the 110th Anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles will take place on Sunday 19th July 2026 at 11.00 am at the RSL Soldier’s Memorial Hall, 63 Nicholas St Ipswich Qld.
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Featured this year Captain Francis Ryan Smith MC DFC who fought in the Battle of Fromelles. The story of this remarkable member of our 31st Battalion was told in an article on this website, posted in April of 2022, researched by Association Member Peter Nelson and presented by Member Mick James. (See Link Below)
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Plaque for Capt Francis Ryan Smith MC DFC
Produced by Hon Member in France, Pierre Seillier
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Dear Members & Friends, I have further good news relating to our Battle of Fromelles Commemoration Service on Sunday 19th July 2026.
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As the CO – LTCOL Merrick Lalor & RSM – WO1 Glenn Herbert of 31/42 Bn RQR are attending, the Army Museum North Queensland has granted permission to allow the 31st Battalion WW1 – Cornet to accompany the RSM down to Brisbane to be on Display at the Commemoration Service.
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This Cornet was originally donated to the 31st Bn by Mr A.J.Cotton of Hidden Vale Station,-Grandchester, approx 32 Kms from Ipswich. After its Historic Service in WW1. – By sheer chance, it was acquired on ebay by 31st Bn Assoc. Historian and Life Member Peter Nelson in 2009.
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Peter’s Grandfather LT J.M. Nelson MC served with 31st Bn during WW1 and took part in the Battle of Fromelles.
This Cornet, after Peter arranged it to be repaired, was used to play the Last Post for each of the 250 Bodies found at Pheasant Wood in 2008 that were reburied in the New Cemetery at Pheasant Wood in 2010.Refer to Peter Nelson’s attached detailed Account of the History of the Cornet, – the 31st Bn Band, and its Members, & the Cornet Player, – James Compton who after being wounded at Fromelles was Hospitalised in England. Whilst recuperating he was then attached to the No1 Command Band – “Sutton Veny” where his Musical talents came to the fore, as he became the Bandmaster and Trainer of the Band and here he remained for the duration of the War. He was promoted to WO1, became responsible for all AIF Bands in England and led the Australian Victory March reviewed by HRH the King past Australia House London.
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He was called upon to give three Command performances before their Majesties, at Buckingham Palace, Lords, and the Opening of Australia House. After the War on return to Australia, he became Bandmaster and Band Trainer to many Bands in Queensland, NSW and NZ, ending up back as Bandmaster and Trainer to the 31st Bn Band Cairns in 1935. As a Trainer to A Grade Bands He won 10 Australian Firsts, 4 seconds and 2 thirds. He was also Australian Champion “Cornet soloist” five times between 1922 to 1928.
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The attached “The Heart and Soul of the Brown and Gold” written by Life Member Peter Nelson, is worth while reading. This Cornet will be on Display at our Commemoration Service at the Ipswich RSL on the 19th July. Warmest Regards to all,
Tony Wadeson
President
31st Bn Assoc (Brisbane)