Australian Defence Force personnel commemorated the centenary of the First World War Battle of Fromelles on the Western Front on 19 July 2016, with services at Pheasant Wood and VC Corner cemeteries to honour the service and sacrifice of those Australians who fought.

Sailors, soldiers, airwomen and airmen from Australia’s Federation Guard and Australian Army soldiers from 2nd Division performed ceremonial duties while Australian Army Band musicians played during the Department of Veterans’ Affairs service.

A headstone dedication service and roll call took place for six Australian soldiers from the First World War who have recently been identified from a group of 250 Australian and British soldiers recovered in 2009 from Pheasant Wood, France.

Australian Army soldiers from 31st/42nd Battalion, Royal Queensland Regiment, paraded the 31st Battalion colours at the Fromelles services.

A service will also be held at Pozieres on 23 July 2016 to honour those fallen during the Battle of Pozieres.

The battles are particularly significant in Australia's military history: Fromelles (19 July 1916) was the first major offensive by the Australians in France; and Pozières (23 July to 3 September 1916) saw Australia sustain 23,000 casualties over seven weeks.