Fromelles - the search continues

Aerial view of the Fromelles Cemetery

On 19 July , 94 years to the day since thousands of men died at the Battle of Fromelles, the last of 250 First World War soldiers, recently discovered in communal graves, were laid to rest in a new, purpose-built, Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery. Read the full article here.


The search is still on for the families of those British and Australian soldiers believed to be killed at the Battle on 19-20 July 1916.


Anyone believing they may be related to a British soldier who may have died at the battle should contact: Historic Casualty Casework, Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre, Services Personnel and Veterans Agency, Imjin Barracks, Gloucester GL3 1HW, Fromelles@spva.mod.uk or 01452 712612 extension 6303 or 7330.

Anyone who may be related to an Australian soldier should visit www.defence.gov.au/fromelles for more information or call 00 61 1800 019 090

Image copyright Jon Garrett /CWGC

Ready to take your call

One of the Helpline Operators taking a call

SPVA provides 'through life' support functions direct to around 900,000 service and ex-Service personnel. This includes two helplines providing information and advice - The Veterans-UK Helpline and the JPAC Enquiry Centre. Both helplines are free.

In a typical week, Veterans-UK FREE Helpline answer on average 4,000 calls. Enquiries relate to War Pensions, Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, Service Records, Veterans Badge applications and more. If practical help or assistance cannot be given, the caller will be signposted to Organisations who will be able to help.

Service Personnel and Veterans Agency at Norcross receive on average 600 e-mails and letters a month. These include requests for Service Records, tracing relatives, Service Pension enquiries and information on medals, this list is not exhaustive.
The Veterans Helpline number is 0800 169 2277, additional calling facilities including a minicom(textphone) and overseas telephone number are also available.

Our lines are open between 8.15 am - 5.15pm Monday to Thursday and between 8.15am - 4.30pm on a Friday.

If you are a veteran, need help but don't know where to start . . . start here by ringing 0800 169 2277 and let's see if we can help you.

Please note, you may be offered a call-back if the helpline is particularly busy on the day you ring.

Watch out for a later post on the JPAC Enquiry Centre . . .

Could you be eligible for a Service Pension?

In this day and age, it’s important to know about all your financial entitlements and the latest SPVA podcast hopes to give you the facts.

If you can answer yes to the following questions, then you may be eligible for a preserved pension:
Are you ex-Service?
Have you served in the Armed Forces since 1975?
Are you 60 or over?

The podcast will provide you with information on preserved pensions from eligibility to the applications process.

Further information can be also found on the MOD or SPVA websites or in the Armed Forces Pension Scheme Pamphlets.