Showing 48 items
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Lara RSL Sub Branch
Book, On Guard with the Volunteer Defence Corps
Krithia, Quinn's Post Lone Pine, The Nek, Hill 971, SAri Bair, Chunuk Bair, Hill 60, Fromelles, Ypres, Messines, Menin Road, Broodseinde, Polygon Wood, Paschendalle, Strazeele, Pozieres, Moquet Farm, Bullecourt, Villes Bret, Hamel, Mont St. Quintin, Peronne, Hindenburg Line, Romani, Magdhaba, Rafa, Gaza, Beersheba, Jerusalem, Jericho, Es Salt, Amman, Megiddo, Sharon, Damascus.2 x On Guard with the Volunteer Defence Corpsvolunteer defence force in wwii, europe -
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Regimental Colour - 44th Battalion (The West Australian Rifles)
Presented by Lieutenant-General Sir JJ Talbot Hobbs, KCB, KCMG, VD, LLD at a parade held on the Esplanade, Perth, 22 October 1927. With the re-activation of the Citizen Military Forces (CMF) following the Second World War, the 11th/44th Infantry Battalion (The City of Perth Regiment) was raised as a linked battalion in 1948 to carry on the identity and traditions of the pre-war 11th and 44th Battalions respectively. The King's and Regimental Colours formerly held by these two battalions were passed on to the new battalion who paraded them in rotation on ceremonial occasions. Under major reorganisation of the CMF in 1960, all individual infantry battalions that existed at the time within each State were amalgamated to form State regiments, taking effect from 1 July 1960. Thus from that date the 11/44th, 16th and 28th Infantry Battalions were amalgamated to form The Royal Western Australia Regiment. In September 1960, at a ceremonial parade held at Northam Camp, the Colours carried by all former battalions were handed over for safe keeping by the new regiment. These former colours were subsequently laid up in the undercroft at the State War Memorial, King's Park on 29 November 1964. These were transferred to the Army Museum of WA in 1988 as part of the Bicentenary Colours Project. Dark green with gold fringes. In the centre the battalion colour patch of a white over blue oval within a circle inscribed "FORTY FOURTH INFANTRY", the whole within a wreath of Australian wattle and surmounted by the Imperial Crown. In the upper canton the Arabic numeral "44". The following battle honours are emblazoned on the Colour: SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902, MESSINES 1917, YPRES 1917, BROODSEINDE, PASSCHENDAELE, SOMME 1918, ANCRE 1918, HAMEL, AMIENS, MONT ST QUENTIN, HINDENBURG LINE -
Woodend RSL
Memorabilia - Trench Art - French Shell Casing Model 1885 37 mm, January 1918
The Canon d'Infanterie de 37 modèle 1916 TRP (37mm mle.1916) was a French infantry support gun, first used during World War I. TRP stands for tir rapide, Puteaux (fast-firing, designed by the Atelier de Puteaux). The tactical purpose of this gun was the destruction of machine gun nests. It was also used on aircraft such as the Beardmore W.B.V and the Salmson-Moineau. Fighter ace René Fonck used a 37mm mle.1916 on a SPAD S.XII.Shell casing - BrassOn the base: PDPs 267 1.18 37-85 (there is a symbol of a flaming bomb between 18 and 37) On the side: "1916 ROBECQ VIMY HAMEL BUSIGNY" On opposite side (in an engraved ribbon starting from the base): A-F-A- - - - 46th Bty - - K.F. KEATING -
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Regimental Colour - 16th Battalion (The Cameron Highlanders of Western Australia)
Presented, together with a new King's Colour, by Major-General JS Whitelaw, CB, CBE at a parade of the 16th/28th Infantry Battalion (The Cameron Highlanders of Western Australia) held on the Esplanade, Perth, 26 August 1951. (Refer to item 7 for specific details relating to these new colours and for details of previous colours presented to 16th Battalion). 16th/28th Infantry Battalion became unlinked in March 1952 with both 16th and 28th becoming independent battalions within their own right Under major reorganisation of the CMF in 1960, all individual infantry battalions that existed at the time within each State were amalgamated to form State regiments, taking effect from 1 July 1960. Thus from that date the 11/44th, 16th and 28th Infantry Battalions were amalgamated to form The Royal Western Australia Regiment. In September 1960, at a ceremonial parade held at Northam Camp, the Colours carried by all former battalions were handed over for safe keeping by the new regiment. These former colours were subsequently laid up in the undercroft at the State War Memorial, King's Park on 29 November 1964. These were transferred to the Army Museum of WA in 1988 as part of the Bicentenary Colours Project. The battle honour for South Africa has incorrect year dates and should be "SOUTH AFRICA 1902". Reasons supporting this are:- • The Battle Honour "SOUTH AFRICA 1902" was originally granted under Military Order 123/1908 to the Goldfields Infantry Regiment of Western Australia. • Under 1921 reorganisation of the Citizen Forces, the existing units in the Goldfields area were formed into 16th Battalion (The Goldfields Regiment) to maintain the identity and traditions of 16th Battalion (AIF). This unit inherited the above battle honour. • All editions of the Australian Army List since 1927 have shown this battle honour for 16th Battalion as "SOUTH AFRICA 1902". Dark green with gold fringes. In the centre the battalion colour patch of a white over blue rectangle within a circle inscribed "SIXTEENTH BATTALION", surrounded with a wreath of Australian wattle and surmounted by the Imperial Crown. Below the wreath a scroll inscribed with the regimental motto "VINCENS". In the upper canton the Arabic numeral "16". Battle Honours emblazoned on the Colour: SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902 , POZIERES, BULLECOURT, MESSINES 1917, YPRES 1917, POLYGON WOOD, HAMEL, AMIENS, HINDENBURG LINE, LANDING AT ANZAC, SARI BAIR -
Melbourne Legacy
Postcard, Australians Advancing from Villers-Brettonneux. August 8th 1918, 1918
A greeting card published by the Australian Comforts Fund for Christmas and New Year 1918-19. It shows important battles involving Australians in 1918. A painting of Villers Brettonneux battle on 8 August 1918 by Captain Will Longstaff who was an A.I.F. War Artist with an explanation of the offensive. Also a painting of the capture of Hamel Village on 4th July 1918 where Australians were assisted by a detachment of Americans. The war artist was A. Pearse. Was with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from J.B. McLean. Some of the text: 'On the night of 24th August 1918, the Australians made a daring and clever counter attack in the darkness, recaptured Villers-Brettonneux, stopped the German advance and saved Amiens. This, and the Battle of Hamel, were only a prelude to the smashing advance which commenced on 8th August. Extract from Australian Corps Order, issued on 7th August:- "For the first time in the history of this Corps all five Australian Divisions will tomorrow engage in the largest and most important battle operation ever undertaken by the Corps." 85,000 Australians were engaged (with Canadians on their right and British Divisions on their left), supported by powerful artillery, tanks and aeroplanes. In this battle 7,000 prisoners, 150 guns with an immense number of machine guns and war material were captured. On August 31st and September 1st and 2nd Mont St. Quentin and Peronne fell to the Australians in three days, defeating the flower of the Prussian Guard.'A example of publications made for the troops in World War 1.A greeting card published for the Australian Comforts Fund in 1918.Greetings from Billworld war one, souvenir -
Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch
WWI card, Copy of Paintings "Australians Advancing fro Villers-Bretonneux" and others of the same era
Painting on paper background.Copy of Original painting of Australian advancing from Villers-Bretonneux August 18th 1918. Specially painted for the Australian Comforts Fund by Captain Will Longstaff. A.I.F War Artist. Captured Train Gun, Start of The Great attack,8/8/18 and The Capture of Hamel Village July 4th 1918 by A Pearse, War Artist. -
Geoffrey Kaye Museum of Anaesthetic History
Equipment - Cannula, Transfusion
Doctors trained in blood transfusion were essential to the development of Forward Resuscitation Teams during World War I. In 1918, Dr Alan Holmes a Court and his colleagues established a resuscitation team and, following their remarkable success at the battle of Hamel on July 4, teams were permanently established at each of the five Australian divisions. Each team consisted of one doctor trained in surgery, blood transfusion and resuscitation, another doctor trained in anaesthesia, resuscitation and blood donor classification, and four other assisting staff. This team moved out to the wounded, rather than waiting for them to be stretchered back. They provided on-the-spot, life-saving resuscitation. The wounded were then transported back to the Casualty Clearing Station or Regimental Aid Post for further treatment.A selection of metal cannula of various designs and sizes.blood, transfusion, intravenous, cannula -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Photo Somme Valley, 1918
Photo taken at Somme Valley in France in August 1918Photo take at Somme valley by Australian Troops August 1918Photo mounted on A4 paper.View of the Somme Valley in France August 1918 Morcourt on the extreme left Cerisy on the left centre, and Corbir on the extreme right.Hamel may be seen over the oblong sheet of water on the extreme right. Hamel may be seen over the oblong sheet of water on the right. The country from that point to the left of the view was taken by Australian troops during August 1918.somme cerisy morcourt corbir hamel australian 1918 world war one -
Federation University Historical Collection
Book, Birds of Australia, early 1890s
Not Gould although on spine. Minutes of the SMB council 14 April 1891 "6, A requisition from Professor Krause for a new work on the birds of Australia was referred to the Education committee. Broinowski was commisioned by the Department of Public Instruction in New South Wales to supply them with pictures of Australian birds which he published in 6 volumes from 1887 - 1891. Gracius Broinowski was born in Poland in 1837. To avoid conscription with the Russian army he roamed Europe in poverty,his possessions having been stolen earlier in Germany. Hearing tales of the Australian gold fields, he borderd the 'Windjammer' bound for Victoria as a deckhand. Broinowski swam ashore at Portland, Victoria in 1857 age twenty. For seven years he walked from one rural settlement to another working as a shepherd, stockman and independent farmer. In 1864 Bronoiwski married in Melbourne and found work with Hamel & Ferguson (print sellers and publishers). 'The Birds of Australia' was finalised in 1891 with 303 full page illustrations lithographed in colour with notes on over 700 species. Limited to 1000 copies the edition sold out quickly. Bronowski died in 1913 at Mosmon NSW, aged 76. He was survived by his wife, a daughter and 6 sons.Green hard cover book, black leather spine and corners. Title on spine written in gold letters, gold decorations on spine. Pages not numbered. Coloured plates (lithographs). Vol. 1 - 6. Printed and bound.Stamped throughout the book "School of Mines Ballarat Library".birds, gracius j. broinowski, fauna, ballarat technical art school library -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Photograph - Kenneth Darnton Watson - Community Leader
Kenneth Darnton Watson was born at Bendigo on 24 May 1893 to George Darnton Watson and Adelaide Nora Holmes. He was educated at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School, being selected as School Captain in 1913 and a member of the Head of the River rowing team. After finishing school, he worked as a jackaroo on Wanganella Station and later at Mt. Widderin, Skipton, Victoria. When WW1 was declared, Kenneth enlisted and after initial training at Maribyrnong, Victoria he left Australia as 2nd Lieutenant with 7th Australian Field Artillery Brigade, to disembark at Plymouth on July 10, 1916. He took part in the Battles of Messines, Menin Road, Polygon Wood and Passchendaele Ridge in 1917. For his efforts in Passchendaele Ridge on 17th December he was awarded the Military Cross "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." In 1918 he took part in the Battles of Villers-Bretonneux, Hamel and Amiens. He returned to Australia in November 1919 and was discharged on 20th January 1920. In 1922, Kenneth Darnton Watson came to Wodonga where he purchased de Kerilleau, consisting of 2,500 acres, from Mr George Gordon. The two storey brick homestead had been built by William Huon in 1870. On 30th May 1924, he married Phyllis Emily Lenore Austin and they had four children, Ian Darnton 1925, Robert Darnton 1926 Rosemary McPherson 1929 and Faith Holmes 1931. On the land he worked hard, building fences, cattle, sheep and horse yards, and farmed Corriedale sheep, Shorthorn cattle and horses. Mr Watson was an innovative farmer, introducing modern methods of top dressing at de Kerilleau by means of an aircraft. He was also a dedicated community man. He was a member of both Albury and Wodonga Show Committees, Murray Valley Development League, No.1 Region, Graziers' Association of Southern Riverina, Albury Legacy Club, Wodonga RSL, and Wodonga Turf Club including terms as President on several of these organisations. Kenneth was also a Warden of St. Luke's Church of England, Wodonga. Kenneth served as Wodonga Shire President from 1929 to 1931, and was again elected to Council from 1943 to 1945. A most respected and valued member of the local community, Kenneth Darnton Watson died on the 4th of October 1951, aged 58. Lenore Watson lived at de Kerilleau until her death on 15th June 1984. Both are buried in Wodonga.These images are significant because they record the service of a prominent member of the Wodonga community.A collection of black of white images of Kenneth Darnton Watson of Wodonga.kenneth darnton watson, watson family wodonga, wodonga community members -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Cigarette Case - K. D. Watson, Wodonga, 1919
This cigarette case was owned by Kenneth Darnton Watson and carried into battle during World War I. Kenneth Darnton Watson was born at Bendigo on 24 May 1893 to George Darnton Watson and Adelaide Nora Holmes. He was educated at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School, being selected as School Captain in 1913 and a member of the Head of the River rowing team. After finishing school, he worked as a jackaroo on Wanganella Station and later at Mt. Widderin, Skipton, Victoria. When WWI was declared, Kenneth enlisted and after initial training at Maribyrnong, Victoria he left Australia as 2nd Lieutenant with 7th Australian Field Artillery Brigade, to disembark at Plymouth on July 10, 1916. He took part in the Battles of Messines, Menin Road, Polygon Wood and Passchendaele Ridge in 1917. For his efforts in Passchendaele Ridge on 17th December he was awarded the Military Cross "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." In 1918 he took part in the Battles of Villers-Bretonneux, Hamel and Amiens. He returned to Australia in November 1919 and was discharged on 20th January 1920. In 1922, Kenneth Darnton Watson came to Wodonga where he purchased de Kerilleau, consisting of 2,500 acres, from Mr George Gordon. The two storey brick homestead had been built by William Huon in 1870. On 30th May 1924, he married Phyllis Emily Lenore Austin and they had four children, Ian Darnton 1925, Robert Darnton 1926 Rosemary McPherson 1929 and Faith Holmes 1931. On the land he worked hard, building fences, cattle, sheep and horse yards, and farmed Corriedale sheep, Shorthorn cattle and horses. Mr Watson was an innovative farmer, introducing modern methods of top dressing at de Kerilleau by means of an aircraft. He was also a dedicated community man. He was a member of both Albury and Wodonga Show Committees, Murray Valley Development League, No.1 Region, Graziers' Association of Southern Riverina, Albury Legacy Club, Wodonga RSL, and Wodonga Turf Club including terms as President on several of these organisations. Kenneth was also a Warden of St. Luke's Church of England, Wodonga. Kenneth served as Wodonga Shire President from 1929 to 1931, and was again elected to Council from 1943 to 1945. A most respected and valued member of the local community, Kenneth Darnton Watson died on the 4th of October 1951, aged 58. Lenore Watson lived at de Kerilleau until her death on 15th June 1984. Both are buried in Wodonga.This item is significant because it was owned by a decorated Australian serviceman and prominent member of the Wodonga community.A silver cigarette case owned by Kenneth Darnton Watson of Wodonga. The inside contains straps to hold the cigarettes in place. Both the front and back have been engraved.On front: KDW On back: 1919kenneth darnton watson, watson family wodonga, wodonga community members -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Silver Mug - K. D. Watson, Wodonga
This cup was awarded to Kenneth Darnton Watson when he was a boarder and competitive rower whilst completing his secondary education. Kenneth Darnton Watson was born at Bendigo on 24 May 1893 to George Darnton Watson and Adelaide Nora Holmes. He was educated at Melbourne Church of England Grammar School, being selected as School Captain in 1913 and a member of the Head of the River rowing team. After finishing school, he worked as a jackaroo on Wanganella Station and later at Mt. Widderin, Skipton, Victoria. When WW1 was declared, Kenneth enlisted and after initial training at Maribyrnong, Victoria he left Australia as 2nd Lieutenant with 7th Australian Field Artillery Brigade, to disembark at Plymouth on July 10, 1916. He took part in the Battles of Messines, Menin Road, Polygon Wood and Passchendaele Ridge in 1917. For his efforts in Passchendaele Ridge on 17th December he was awarded the Military Cross "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." In 1918 he took part in the Battles of Villers-Bretonneux, Hamel and Amiens. He returned to Australia in November 1919 and was discharged on 20th January 1920. In 1922, Kenneth Darnton Watson came to Wodonga where he purchased de Kerilleau Homestead, consisting of 2,500 acres, from Mr George Gordon. The two storey brick homestead had been built by William Huon in 1870. On 30th May 1924, he married Phyllis Emily Lenore Austin and they had four children, Ian Darnton 1925, Robert Darnton 1926 Rosemary McPherson 1929 and Faith Holmes 1931. On the land Kenneth worked hard, building fences, cattle, sheep and horse yards, and farmed Corriedale sheep, Shorthorn cattle and horses. he was an innovative farmer, introducing modern methods of top dressing at de Kerilleau by means of an aircraft. He was also a dedicated community man. He was a member of both Albury and Wodonga Show Committees, Murray Valley Development League, No.1 Region, Graziers' Association of Southern Riverina, Albury Legacy Club, Wodonga RSL, and Wodonga Turf Club including terms as President on several of these organisations. Kenneth was also a Warden of St. Luke's Church of England, Wodonga. Kenneth served as Wodonga Shire President from 1929 to 1931, and was again elected to Council from 1943 to 1945. A most respected and valued member of the local community, Kenneth Darnton Watson died on the 4th of October 1951, aged 58. Lenore Watson lived at de Kerilleau until her death on 15th June 1984. Both are buried in Wodonga.These images are significant because they record the service of a prominent member of the Wodonga community.A silver mug awarded to K D Watson as a rowing trophy in April 1909. It features the shield of Melbourne Church of England Grammar School (M.C.E.G.S.), as well as his name and the event for which it was awarded.View 1: M.C.E.G.S. April 1909 Regatta View 2: Crest of MECEGS featuring motto "Ora et Labora" View 3: BOARDERS FOUR K. D. WATSON 3kenneth darnton watson, watson family wodonga, wodonga community members -
The 5th/6th Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment Historical Collection
Print - Reproduction, framed, General Sir John Monash
Framed print of General Sir John Monash standing with hands held to his front in uniform against a dark background. Encased in a moulded timber frame and behind an off white backing board with fade red borders General Sir John Monash G.C.M.G, K.C.B, V.D, B.A, D.C.L, LL.D., D. Eng., M. Inst.C.E Grande Officier de l' Ordre de la Couronne and de Croix de Guerre(Belguim); Grande Officier de la Legion d'Honneur and de Croix de Guerre avec Palme ( France); Distinguished Service Medal ( USA) commanded 4th. Aust. Inf.Bde (15 Sept., '14- 9 July, '16), 3rd Aust Div (10 July, '16-31 May,'18) and Australian Army Corps (1 June-30 Nov.,'18); Director General Repatriation and Demobilisation ( 1 Dec.,'18-15 Nov., Nov.,'19). Laanding at Anzac - Sari Bair - Messines- Broodseinde - Passchendaele - Villers-Bretonneux -Hamel - Amiens - Mont St Quentin - Hargicourt - Hindenburg Line - Beaurevoir Line Chairman of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria 1921/1931 Member of Council of Defence , 1921/1931 1865-1931 sir john monash, john longstaff, 1919, ww1, first world war, great war -
Federation University Historical Collection
Newsclip, Herald Sun, Baptism of Blood (World War One), 1993, 28/08/1993
Eight page newspaper magazine recounting the story of the Australian Diggers who fought on the Western Front. world war one, western front, 24th battallion, mont sr quentin, fromelles, pozieres, mouquet, messines, bullecourt, villers-bretonneux, ypres, hamel, quentin, hindenburg, anniversary, john poulton, may tilton, louis nitchie, monty nitchie, clara payne, jean howard, jim nitchie, hector nitchie, victoria cross, albert jacka, william jackson, rupert moon, patrick bugden, walter peeler, william ruthven, walter brown, percy statton, lawrence mccarthy, robert mactier, c.e.w. bean, keith murdoch, chatham family archive, chatham-holmes family collection -
Red Cliffs Military Museum
Document, Life history of Sgt. William Carroll, (estimated); early -mid 1990
This short history is in a display of photos and a copy of a letter written home by Sgt Carroll to his Aunt.A brief written life history from birth to death of William Carroll service Number 815. As written by a member of Red Cliffs R.S.L. in consultation with the family.Born in Wangaratta in 1891, was a drover and boundary rider in Queensland when enlisted.Sgt. Carroll was one of the original members of the 21st Battalion, 6th Brigade, 1st AIF, which was formed at Broadmeadows early 1915. The battalion embarked from Melbourne on the Uylsses on the 8th May 1915 enroute to the Middle East. Saw action Middle East> Gallipoli>Middle East to reform and reorganise > Western Front> Somme> Bullecourt> Ypres> Somme> Mont St. Quentin> Villiers Bretonneux> Hamel Mutiny./ Sgt. Carroll was twice wounded in action (at Fluers and Broondseinde)and was recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal, with a Sgt Cozens (No 825 also original member, on the 15th September 1916, for exceptional zeal in the performance of their duties and coolness in action, which had a great affect on the moral of their mem. He was discharged medically unfit with gun wounds to his left knee and back. Of the full Battalion strength of the original Officers and men, there were 16 Officers and 24 Or's left. 21st Battalion left buried on foreign soil 47 Officers and 827 Or's. It was the highest decorated Battalion of the 6th Brigade. Listed are some of the Battles and Misfortunes that Sgt. Carrol survived to return to Australia. Torpedoed on the troop ship Southland enroute to Gallipoli 1915;/ First Australian troops to Garrison Cairo; First Australian Infantry Unit into line in France; Last out of the line; Staging a successful mutiny; 21st Battalion was disbanded in 1918. Sgt. Carroll was given block 276 Red Cliffs, he sold his block in 1982. He was interested in Community affairs and was involved in ADFA, RSL, Mildura Club, and Mildura Show Society and was the third last Red Cliffs Soldier Settler to die. He was in his 100th year.medal, distinguished, battalion, aif, 21st, 6th, brigade, 1st, mutiny, gallipoli, wangaratta, 1891, boundary, rider, ulysses, middle, east, western, front, conduct -
Lara RSL Sub Branch
Book, Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-18 - Volume VI - The AIF in France 1918 Author C.E.W. Bean. The AIF in France May 1918- the Armistice, Published 1942
This volume deals with those months in which the first World War turned against the German Army on the western front, and shows in detail how, in the crucial Amiens sector that change was brought about. The completion of the story of the final offensive in 1918.An account of the conclusion of the first world war with Germany being defeated and surrendering.Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-18 - Volume VI - The AIF in France 1918. Hardcover cardboard. Maps, diagrams, illustrations, chronologygerman surrender, battle of aisne 1918, monash succeeds, battle of hamel, amiens, armistice, peace treaty signed, battle of montbrehain -
Warrnambool RSL Sub Branch
GENERAL SIR JOHN MONASH to GOV'R GENERAL, SIR R.M. FERGUSON, PERSONAL LETTER (MANUSCRIPT) undated (but shortly after the Battle of Hamel, 4 July 1918)
snape collection -
Monbulk RSL Sub Branch
Book, Will Davies, Last one hundred days : the Australian road to victory in the First World War, 2018
In March 1918, with the fear of a one-million-man American army landing in France, the Germans attacked. In response, Australian soldiers were involved in a number of engagements, culminating in the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux and the saving of Amiens, and Paris, from German occupation. Then came General John Monash's first victory as the Commanding Officer of the newly formed Australian Corps at Hamel. This victory, and the tactics it tested, became crucial to the Allied victory after 8 August, the 'black day of the German Army'. On this day the major Allied counteroffensive began, with the AIF in the vanguard of the attack. The Australians, with the Canadians to the south and the British across the Somme to the north, drove the Germans back, first along the line of the Somme and then across the river to Mont St Quentin, Péronne and on to the formidable Hindenburg Line, before the last Australian infantry action at Montbrehain in early October. Fast-paced and tense, the story of The Last 100 Days is animated by the voices of Australian soldiers as they endured the war's closing stages with humour and stoicism; and as they fought a series of battles in which they played a pivotal role in securing Allied victory. Collapse summaryIndex, bibliography, notes, ill, p.340.non-fictionIn March 1918, with the fear of a one-million-man American army landing in France, the Germans attacked. In response, Australian soldiers were involved in a number of engagements, culminating in the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux and the saving of Amiens, and Paris, from German occupation. Then came General John Monash's first victory as the Commanding Officer of the newly formed Australian Corps at Hamel. This victory, and the tactics it tested, became crucial to the Allied victory after 8 August, the 'black day of the German Army'. On this day the major Allied counteroffensive began, with the AIF in the vanguard of the attack. The Australians, with the Canadians to the south and the British across the Somme to the north, drove the Germans back, first along the line of the Somme and then across the river to Mont St Quentin, Péronne and on to the formidable Hindenburg Line, before the last Australian infantry action at Montbrehain in early October. Fast-paced and tense, the story of The Last 100 Days is animated by the voices of Australian soldiers as they endured the war's closing stages with humour and stoicism; and as they fought a series of battles in which they played a pivotal role in securing Allied victory. Collapse summary world war 1914- 1918 - campaigns - western front, western front - australian participation - 1918