16 July 2024: Adelaide, South Australia: As the 108th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles approaches on 19 July, the Fromelles Association of Australia is issuing an appeal to South Australian communities. The Association seeks potential family members of missing soldiers from the 32nd Battalion to assist in identifying those who perished in this significant World War I battle.
The 32nd Battalion, part of the 8th Brigade, was formed at Mitcham on the outskirts of Adelaide on 9 August 1915. This battalion, which included two companies from South Australia, faced its first major engagement at Fromelles on 19 July 1916. The assault led to devastating losses, with 718 casualties—approximately 75% of the battalion's total strength.
One soldier, Private Andrew Perry, born on Hindmarsh Island, South Australia, was killed in action on 20 July 1916. Despite efforts, his grave remains unidentified. The Association is seeking direct male descendants from the Perry family to provide a Y DNA sample to help identify his remains. James Douglas Perry, Andrew's father, originated from Glasgow, Scotland, and the family had connections in various South Australian communities, including Goolwa.
The Fromelles Association is specifically targeting potential family members from the following regions: Yorke Peninsula (including Moonta, Wallaroo Mines, and Kadina), port areas from Port Pirie to Port Augusta, and other key areas such as Bordertown, Broken Hill, Naracoorte, and Mount Gambier.
In addition to Andrew Perry, the Association is seeking family members for the following soldiers from South Australia who remain unaccounted for:
- Clarence Rhody Schwan Hoffman, Moonta
- Reuben Harold Magor, Keswick
- Albert Arthur Rawnsley, Broken Hill
- Alfred George Sinigear, Blackwood.
This year, the Fromelles Association's leadership team will travel to the Pheasant Wood Cemetery in France to honour the fallen soldiers. Geoffrey Benn (President), Bronwyn Stanley (Vice President), Jim Smith (Secretary), and Royce Atkinson (Team Leader, Genealogy) will participate in the commemoration and continue efforts to identify the soldiers.
Geoffrey Benn, President of the Fromelles Association of Australia, stated, "The bravery and sacrifices of the soldiers at the Battle of Fromelles should never be forgotten. By identifying and honouring these soldiers, we ensure their legacy lives on. We call upon the South Australian community to help us in this mission."
South Australian residents, particularly those with connections to the specified regions, are urged to come forward if they have information or potential family ties to the missing soldiers. Participation is crucial in providing closure to families who have awaited answers for over a century.
