What happened during the battle of Fromelles?

The Battle of Fromelles unfolded on the 19th and 20th of July 1916, opposing members of the British and Australian divisions and a Bavarian division. The clash between the factions was terrible, and in less than 24 hours, there were nearly 8,500 victims. Many of the soldiers who died on the battlefield were not found. In 2009, a team of archaeologists unearthed the bodies of 250 British and Australian soldiers who had disappeared in Fromelles. A great identification campaign began, and with each new identity, the story of a soldier comes to the surface. Inaugurated on 18 July 2014, the museum traces the history of the Battle of Fromelles and the Australian and British soldiers who fell in battle.

To mark the 10th anniversary of the opening of this museum, there will be a dedicated program for the weekend of the 18th and 19th of July 2024 which you can check out here. Come join us to celebrate this anniversary, to find out more about this scarring battle and to visit the “Wounded soldier, athlete soldier: reconstruction route” exhibition (see below).  

“The Wounded Soldier, athlete soldier: reconstruction route” exhibition.

As well as the dedicated events for the 10th anniversary of the opening of the museum, the museum invites visitors to discover innovations, major events and the journey of athletes through the exhibition Wounded soldier, athlete soldier: Reconstruction route. This exhibition benefits from the label "Cultural Olympiads", and was put together in the context of the Olympic and Paralympic Games taking place in Paris. It will be open and free of charge until 2 February 2025.

The First World War left a lasting mark on the bodies and minds of soldiers. During this period, the development of new prostheses and the creation of new institutions made it possible to meet the needs of wounded soldiers. Rehabilitation through sport was promoted throughout the 20th century. Through sport, soldiers become the first athletes in sports competitions. The Museum of the Battle of Fromelles invites visitors to discover the history of these men through the exhibition Wounded soldier, athlete soldier: Reconstruction route.

A partnership exhibition

The Musée de la Bataille de Fromelles has joined forces to produce this exhibition with the Research Unit for Sport, Health and Society – Working Party on the Strategy of Sports Organisations, at the University of Lille.  The exhibition benefited from loans from the “Musée de la Grande Guerre” from the city of Meaux and a partnership with the Defence Communication and Audiovisual Production Establishment of “La Défense” in Paris.

An exhibition enriched by an eclectic programme

Until next February, the Museum will offer an eclectic programme: conferences during the European Heritage Days; workshops regarding disability issues will take place during the summer holidays and during the All Saints' Day holidays; etc. Find all the information on the website by clicking here.