The Australians' final campaign in 1918

After the third battle of Ypres in September 1917 the Australians were put in to hold the Messines Wytschaete sector and to prepare defences against the expected German spring offensive. The German offensive was launched opposite Amiens and the Australians were sent to meet it. The heaviest fighting was around Villers Bretonneux which was retaken by the Australians. In May General Monash took command of the Australian Corps from General Birdwood. On 4th July the Battle of Hamel was fought by Australians and Americans under Australian command. On 8 August the Allied offensive took place with tanks and cavalry used on a large scale. General Monash knighted by King George V at Corps HQ Bertangles. The capture of Mont St Quentin by the 2nd Division; Peronne captured at the same time. At Chuignes the 3rd Battalion captured their largest trophy ever, a 15 inch naval gun weighing over 500 tons. Prime Minister Hughes visited the front and met the AIF at Peronne. The AIF broke through the Hindenburg Line after the Americans were checked at Gillemont Farm. On 21 September 1918 the 53rd Battalion held a memorial parade at Quinconce.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• F00018
• Australian
• War
• Memorial
• Ypres
• Messines
• Wytschaete
• German
• Villers
• Bretonneux
• 1917
• 1918
• World
• First

[colindominy]

Uncommon Valour has always been a common virtue of the ANZAC forces, and of The Spirit Of ANZAC .. in all of its varous manifestations, down through the years ever since April 1915. Lest We Forget ....

[Maadsnake]

Thank you alot for posting this. It means alot to me, and im sure it means alot to many other people aswell.

[04bridekirk]

I agree with greg (comment #1) I thank you too for posting these videos of our ANZACS. My own ancestors did not make it through to 1918 (mainly surname "IKIN" kia, dow or damaged physically & psychologically rta) & I intend to keep their memories alive - all this info & film clips etc. assist me to see this happens.

- LEST WE FORGET - (& not just on Anzac Day) Helen/Manly +1

[greg313662]

Thank you so much for posting.

My brother put it well when he said that the War Memorial is our Mecca. Not to be religious but being from a military family it really is hallowed ground for us.

Thanks again.

[JoezettE88]

*these

[andieslandies]

Cool piece of film to have online! The description is very informative but doesn't give any info about this particular footage; just a comment. Good stuff, keep it coming.

[JoezettE88]

Hey thanks for putting thses up (=