Lambis Englezos AM

Lambis Englezos AM is an amateur historian and retired school teacher whose dedicated research led to the discovery of a mass grave from World War I near Fromelles, France. His efforts have provided closure for numerous families and redefined historical understanding of the battle. After his meticulous research led to the discovery of a mass grave from World War I near Fromelles, France, Lambis Englezos AM provided closure for numerous families and profoundly contributed to military history. An amateur historian, Englezos embarked on this significant historical quest following a 2002 visit to Fromelles, France.

This visit spurred his investigation into the fate of 1,335 Australian soldiers listed as ‘missing’ after the Battle of Fromelles in 1916. Englezos meticulously reviewed historical documents, including the Red Cross’s ‘Wounded and Missing’ files and Robin Corfield’s 2000 book ‘Don’t forget me, cobber’, which referenced a site known as Pheasant Wood. His research specifically identified 175 Australian soldiers believed to have been buried behind German lines, further analyzing pre- and post-July 1916 aerial photographs of the area for ground anomalies. In 2005, Englezos, alongside members of the Friends of the 15th Brigade, presented their comprehensive findings to an expert panel in Canberra.

His work has provided invaluable closure to countless families and ensured that the memory of those lost in World War I is honored with integrity. Recognized with an AM (Member of the Order of Australia), his historical investigation stands as a testament to the power of dedicated individual effort in reshaping collective memory and historical records.