From 9th October 1914 on the village of Fromelles lies in German occupied territory. The frontline in the sector going from La Bassée to Frelinghien is stabilised and is splitting up Fromelles in two sections. The upper section in which the center of the village is situated is in German hands, white the lower section is occupied by the allied forces.
Tranchée allemande.
This situation will remain this way till 1918. During these four years several important battles will be fought in this area. Amongst these battles :

a) Battle of Aubers Ridge - 9th May 1915
This battle was in fact launched by the British with the main goal to support the big attack of the French Army on the hill of Notre Dame de Lorette.

b) Battle of Fromelles - 19th - 20th july 1916.

Three brigades of the 61st territorial division ( British) and three brigades of the 5th Australian division launched an attack against the positions held on a 3500 yards frontline by three Bavarian regiments.

 Prisonniers Britaniques

Despite an intensive artillery bombardment and the important number of soldiers engaged in this battle the final out come was a catastrophy for the British and Australian men ( 8500 casualties i.e. wounded , dead, missing in action and taken prisoner of war in 24 hours).

Ludendorff's famous statement : " these soldiers are fighting like lions, but are led by donkeys"
( Battle of Aubers Ridge - 9th may 1915) had become true once more.