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Australia's origins in the Western Front campaign
In the March of 1916 Australian soldiers were sent to France to fight on the Western Front. Many soldiers had also served in Gallipoli only a month or so previously. At this point in the war the attitudes of the public had changed and the reality of war was becoming much more apparent. -
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The Battle of The Somme
The Battle of the Somme refers to a series of attacks illustrated by both the enemies and allies across the Somme Valley (in France). During this time Australia supplied the most human resources out of all British dominions (331 000 volunteers). The conclusion of the Somme offensive left allies forces claiming 12km of land. -
Attack of Fromelles
Being the first involvement of the Australian fifth division, the Battle of Fromelles was an initiative to oppose the German frontline in French Flanders. Fromelles ended up being a complete disaster, soldiers attacking in broad daylight and being met by the excessive bombing of German artillery. Fromelles claimed the life of 5 500 troops and is considered one of the most devastating battles of WW1 and even recent history. -
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Assaults on the town of Pozières
The Australian 1st and 2nd divisions managed to capture Pozières village and Pozières heights after an attack seizing German frontlines. However, the initial attack on Pozières heights was unsuccessful and resulted in 3 500 casualties. Victory in this battle was achieved by military attrition. -
First Battle of Bullecourt
Australians were deployed in Bullecourt as an attempt to aid in the Arras operation being executed by Britain. Due to poor preparation and planning, the result of the battle was unsatisfactory. The 4th division did manage to infiltrate German defences but 3 300 soldiers were killed and not much progress was made. -
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The Battle of Messines
The Battle of Messines was aptly named after the objective of claiming the Wyschaete-Messines Ridge, which would give allied forces a tactical advantage over the enemies. The 3rd division was originally deployed later followed by the 4th division lead by William Holmes. After a battle filled with both military and explosive attacks causing the death of approximately 6 100 Australian troops, the allies secured victory over the land. -
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The Battle of Passchendaele
Also known as the third battle of Ypres, Australia's involvement in this battle came when French forces had weakened. This battle relied on the weather conditions at the time which fortunately were in Australia's favour. Although the Battle of Passchendaele was originally defensive it quickly became an offensive victory for the allies. -
The Battle of Hamel
Attacks against the town of Hamel were carefully prepared by Lieutenant General John Monash, a quintessential figure in WW1 history in attempts to fortify ground surrounding the Somme. Australians, for the first time, were accompanied in battle by 4 divisions of American soldiers. The battle lasting 2 hours was declared a monumental success -
The Battle of Amiens
The battle of Amiens like many military efforts on the Western Fronts was an attempt to breach German frontlines and achieve victory. Historians refer to this event as the start of the Allied offensive (Hundred Days Offensive), which eventually led to the end of World War I -
The end of Australian warfare on the Western Front
Following the Hundred Days Offensive, the allied forces made substantial efforts against the enemies so successful that Germans later referred to this period as "black day". When these efforts proved successful the Armistice was eventually declared marking the engagement at Montbrehain is Australia's last contribution to the Western Front.