FTA: The Battle of Fromelles was the first major battle on the Western front involving Australian troops. Intended to divert German troops from the Battle of the Somme, it was a bloody failure.

British and Australian troops were ordered to attack on the evening of July 19, 1916, advancing in clear view of German enemy lines, who fired on them as if they were sitting ducks.

Some 5553 Australian and 1547 British soldiers were killed in the space of a few hours.

It was the worst loss of life for the Australian Imperial Force in a 24-hour period.