Historical information

Rows of graves from the Battle of Fromelles, then called Flerbaix. Among the graves is that of Captain Norman Gibbins, 55th Battalion, born in Ararat Victoria. A Gallipoli veteran, at Fromelles, Gibbins fought a desperate rear guard bombing action while under heavy German attack. It allowed many Australians including the wounded to get back to the safety of their own lines. When his path was blocked by dead and wounded Gibbins stood up and was fatally shot. His body was recovered and moved seven kilometres behind the lines where his grave was one of 111 Australians initially buried at Sailly-sur-la-lys.