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.
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.
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.
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)
Tony Wadeson
President
31st Bn Assoc (Brisbane)