Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery

The basics

Part of the larger Somme offensive, the ill-fated Battle of Fromelles (later described as “the worst 24 hours in Australian history”) saw thousands of Australian, British, and Commonwealth troops killed during brutal fighting. Many were buried in mass graves behind German lines, and it wasn’t until 2009 that their bodies were recovered during a large-scale archaeological excavation.

Today, the red-brick cemetery is a moving place of remembrance. Accompanied by the nearby Museum of the Battle of Fromelles—which shares the history of the battle and preserves a number of artifacts—it has become a newly important World War I destination in northern France. The Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery is covered by a number of World War I tours of the area.

Things to know before you go

• The cemetery has a ramped entry and mostly even ground, making it accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.

• The cemetery is free for all to enter.

• Near the cemetery is the Australian Memorial Park, where you can see some battle areas and pay tribute to the “Cobbers” statue, which depicts the brave rescue of injured troops.

How to get there

The Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery is located in Fromelles, France. The closest major hub is Lille, located some 11 miles (18 kilometers) away via the A25. The village of Fromelles is served by a number of bus lines, but guided tours make exploring even easier.

When to get there

You can visit the Pheasant Wood Military Cemetery on your own schedule—aim for typical daytime hours, and a good-weather day, in order to make the most of the open-air site. The nearby Museum of the Battle of Fromelles is open daily, except on Tuesdays and on holidays. Note that the area is likely to be at its busiest on Anzac Day (April 25) and around the anniversary of the battle (July 19).

Visit the Museum of the Battle of Fromelles

To make the most of your trip, be sure to visit the Museum of the Battle of Fromelles after paying tribute at the cemetery. Open since 2014, the museum includes information about the historic dig that unearthed the previously lost graves, tells stories about the fallen, and shows a range of temporary exhibitions.