Fromelles (1916) a British "action" but an Australian "battle"

The talk commenced with an outline of our research into the changing role and structure of military museums. It was noted that there has been a growth in interest by visitors into the part played by dimly remembered relations in World War 1.This has been further increased by the current focus on WW1 history studied in schools. Winchester has many military museums and has become a focus for tourists with a wide variety of interests. This may be for entertainment or education which results in the development of the term ?edutainment?. This was followed by a brief summary of the situation and position of the troops on the western front in 1916 . Recently Fromelles has come to the attention of the general public with the recovery and reburial of a mass war grave which has been of particular interest in Australia which was the home of many, but not all, of the men involved. A description of the geography of the site was followed by an outline of events. This was developed based on the role played by individuals such as those referred to above. In particular the researcher has focused on one Australian soldier and this was contrasted with the experience of a better known German soldier, Adolf Hitler, who was also present. The lecture was concluded by an evaluation of the battle at the time and its importance as a developing tourist destination today. In Britain this event is seen as an ?action? as it was carried out to reduce pressure on what has become known as the Battle of the Somme. In Australia Gallipoli is remembered as the place that represents the creation of the image of the Australian soldier but it is at Fromelles that it was tested in ?battle?.