Don't Forget Me, Cobber: The Battle of Fromelles by Robin Corfield

Book Description

Secondhand. Good condition. Wear to book corners and edges. Dust jacket has creasing at edges, with spine now protected with book tape. Interior and binding are still very good.

The extraordinary story of the lead-up to the battle of Fromelles, the battle itself, and the successful search for the missing Fromelles.

On the evening of 19 July 1916, on a strip of farmland north of Fromelles, the AIF fought its first battle in France. Outnumbered two to one, a well-organised German division faced two divisions, one Australian and the other British, and yet inflicted a costly defeat. By dusk the following day, there were 2436 Allies dead and 4123 wounded, no territory gained, and only 501 Germans killed and 943 injured.

As far as the Australians were concerned, at the disastrous battle of Fromelles, their commander, Major General McCay, was obsessed with ambition and glory on the battlefield. At dawn on 20 July, McCay went to survey the aftermath and was heard to remark that 'they'll get used to it'.

After the war, McCay's powerful friends ensured that Fromelles was never examined in any depth, and when it was, all blame was put on the British.

Lost in mass grave pits since 1916, some 190 Australians and 328 British soldiers have been discovered after seven years of campaigning by Lambis Englezos, who also writes of his experience here.

The book also includes a complete Roll of Honour of the British and Australians killed, as well as some of the Germans. (publisher blurb)