Museum of the Battle of Fromelles
About This Museum
People come here, often from Australia and Britain, searching for a connection to a name on a war memorial back home. They find the story of the Battle of Fromelles, a brutal 24 hours in July 1916 that shattered two divisions. The museum doesn't just tell you the statistics; it introduces you to the men through their personal letters and the haunting photographs taken just before they went over the top. You leave with a profound sense of the individual lives lost in this forgotten corner of the front.
Collection Highlights
The heart of the place is the story behind 'Pheasant Wood', where the remains of 250 soldiers were discovered in mass graves nearly a century after the battle. You'll see their personal effects—a corroded watch, a tobacco pouch—recovered during the excavation. Alongside these are powerful photographs from both sides of no-man's-land and interactive displays that trace the ongoing identification process.
Visitor Information
It's tucked away on Rue de la Basse Ville, so keep an eye out for the signs. The staff are wonderfully knowledgeable; don't hesitate to ask them questions, as they often have stories you won't find on the plaques.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a modest, red-brick building that feels more like a local village hall than a grand museum, which somehow makes the powerful stories inside feel even more immediate and real.
Contact & Location
Address: Rue de la Basse Ville, Les Rouges Bancs, Fromelles, Lille, Nord, Hauts-de-France, France métropolitaine, 59249, France
Phone: +33 3 59 61 15 14
Website: Visit Website
