On 19-20 July 1916 the Battle of Fromelles took place, exactly hundred years ago. It was the first engagement in battle for the Australian troops at the Western front. On the 19th. this was remembered at Fromelles. Today, 20th July, a reburial of an unknown Australian soldier took place at Buttes New British Cemetery at Zonnebeke. The remains of this soldier were found near Broodseinde, a place were the Australians (amongst others) fought at the beginning of October 1917 during 3rd Ypres. The fighting at Broodseinde followed the Battle of Polygon Wood of 26th September 1917, where the Australians also took a major role in. The Australian soldiers who attended the centenary ceremony yesterday at Fromelles were present today at Zonnebeke for this reburial ceremony. The ceremony was exlusively Australian, no representatives of Belgian or other Commonwealth veterans organisations were invited. Official representatives of Belgium and Australia were, of course, present.
The new heastone and the new grave.
The guard of Honour, the firing party at the entrance of the cemetery.
Guests arrive amongst them Johan Vandewalle.
Australian military on their way to the cemetery.
Australian military insigna.
Many Australians also attended the ceremony.
The firing party in position.
Arrival of the mayor of Zonnebeke.
Arrival of the Australian ambassador to Belgium and other officials.
The coffin is being lifted from the hearse.
The pall bearers receive the coffin and will carry the remains of their fallen countryman to his final resting place with military honour.
The funeral procession begins.
The firing party mounts up the hill (butte) where the monument for the 5th Australian Division stands, monument that commemorating the division's actions in the capture of Polygon Wood end of September1917.
The Australian bugler.
The people attending the ceremony.
The coffin is being carried to the gravesite.
The pallbearers march off.
The coffin now stands at the grave, the final resting place for this fallen soldier.
Invocation and Bible reading by Msgr. Glynn Murphy, Director General Chaplaincy, Army.
Address by Lt.Gen. Angus J. Campbell, Chief of the Australian Army
The firing party on the hill.
Prayer by Msgr. Murphy.
Blessing of the new grave by Msgr. Murphy.
The pallbearers arrive to undress the coffin and lower it into the grave.
The military symbols are removed an handed over
So is the flag being folded and handed over.
Slowly the coffin is being lowered into the grave while the committal prayer is being said.
The salute by the firing party to their fallen comrade.
The pallbearers march of again.
The Ode of Rememberance being recited by Regimental Sergeant Major-Army, Warrant Officer Don Sprinks
Military salute during the Last Post
Blessing by Msgr. Murphy to conclude the funeral ceremony.
Military salute when the national anthems are being played.
The firing party marches off.
People greeting the fallen soldier
Flowers from a respectful person present at the ceremony.
The new headstone and the official wreath.
The mayor of Zonnebeke talking to Australian military
A few days later: the new grave of this unknown Australian soldier (photo 23 juli 2016)
Page made by Frank Mahieu
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