Diggers remembered

The names of Rockingham soldiers who fought in World War I will be displayed along the Australian Remembrance Trail in France.

City of Rockingham RSL sub-branch president and former navy serviceman Ian Brook will attend a special tour through the World War I battlefield to commemorate the anniversary of the battles of Fromelles and Pozieres in July, 1916.

During the tour, from July 17 to 23, Mr Brook will present a plaque with the names of 14 Rockingham soldiers who fought in the Great War, some of whom were killed during the battles of Fromelles and Pozieres.

The battles are referred to as two of the deadliest in Australia’s military history.

In an attempt to distract German forces who were battling the French and British on the Somme in the south, Australian forces were sent into Fromelles, on July 19, 1916.

It was Australia’s introduction to the Western Front — the main theatre of war — after spending months fighting in Gallipoli.

By the next day, the Australians had suffered 5500 casualties — their greatest losses in a single day.

On July 23, Australian forces were sent to join the British and French allies in the small town of Pozieres along the Somme, for another battle. There were more than 23,000 Anzac casualties lost in the six-week battle.

To assist in travel costs, the City of Rockingham RSL sub-branch will hold raffles and fundraising events. Small businesses or anyone who would like to help with costs can contact the RSL at rslrock@westnet.com.au or on 0437 109 632.