Historical information

Pte Simmons was born in Kyneton.
Died at the battle of Fromelles, July 1916.

Significance

Fromelles. The battle of Fromelles on 19 July 1916 was a bloody initiation for Australian soldiers to warfare on the Western Front. Soldiers of the newly arrived 5th Australian Division, together with the British 61st Division, were ordered to attack strongly fortified German front line positions near the Aubers Ridge in French Flanders. The attack was intended as a feint to hold German reserves from moving south to the Somme where a large Allied offensive had begun on 1 July. The feint was a disastrous failure. Australian and British soldiers assaulted over open ground in broad daylight and under direct observation and heavy fire from the German lines. Over 5,500 Australians became casualties. Almost 2,000 of them were killed in action or died of wounds and some 400 were captured. This is believed to be the greatest loss by a single division in 24 hours during the entire First World War. Some consider Fromelles the most tragic event in Australia’s history. www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/fromelles

Physical description

Two WW1 War service medals with ribbons in a white presentation case. With black clothe lining.

Inscriptions & markings

On the rim of each medal is: 4899Pte N T Simmons 59 Bn AIF
The medals are labelled British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal 1914- 1918.
On the inside of the lid is card inscribed: Posthumus award to 4899 Pte N T Simmons 59 Bn AIF.