Showing 20 items matching "barrage"
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Monbulk RSL Sub BranchBook, Groset and Dunlap, The splinter fleet of the Otranto barrage, 1936
... The splinter fleet of the Otranto barrage...The splinter fleet of the Otranto barrage Book Groset and Dunlap Ray Millholland ...An account of the battle of Durazzop.307.non-fictionAn account of the battle of Durazzoworld war 1914-1918 - submarine warfare, battle of durazzo -
Monbulk RSL Sub BranchBook, Pan Books, Barrage: The guns in action, 1970
... Barrage: The guns in action...Monbulk RSL Sub Branch 48 Main Road Monbulk yarra-valley-and-the-dandenong-ranges Artillery - History Artillery - Strategy and tactics The history of artillery in World War One and Two Ill, maps, p.159. Barrage: The guns in action Book Pan Books Ian V Hogg ...The history of artillery in World War One and TwoIll, maps, p.159.non-fictionThe history of artillery in World War One and Twoartillery - history, artillery - strategy and tactics -
Waverley RSL Sub BranchAircraft shells
... Of particular interest is the "spade nosed" round used German aircraft in an attempt to cut the retaining cables of reconnaissance and barrage balloons used by British forces ...3 rounds Of particular interest is the "spade nosed" round used German aircraft in an attempt to cut the retaining cables of reconnaissance and barrage balloons used by British forces ...Waverley RSL Sub Branch 161 Coleman Parade Glen Waverley melbourne Of particular interest is the "spade nosed" round used German aircraft in an attempt to cut the retaining cables of reconnaissance and barrage balloons used by British forces 3 rounds Of particular interest is the "spade nosed" round used German aircraft in an attempt to cut the retaining cables of reconnaissance and barrage balloons used by British forces Aircraft shells ...Of particular interest is the "spade nosed" round used German aircraft in an attempt to cut the retaining cables of reconnaissance and barrage balloons used by British forces 3 rounds Of particular interest is the "spade nosed" round used German aircraft in an attempt to cut the retaining cables of reconnaissance and barrage balloons used by British forces -
Bendigo Military MuseumMap - BARRAGE MAP, FRANCE WW1, Possibly 1918
... ...barrage...Map, small section of a “Barrage map” showing objective lines with distances, enemy trenches are in blue. ...Refer Cat No 3746.3 for his service details. Map trench barrage Map, small section of a “Barrage map” showing objective lines with distances, enemy trenches are in blue. ...Villeret is centred within the areas of Rosiel, Bony, Bellicourt and Bellenglise. The map is possibly when the advance was into the Hindenburg Line in late 1918. Item re William Alexander No 502 AIF. Refer Cat No 3746.3 for his service details.Map, small section of a “Barrage map” showing objective lines with distances, enemy trenches are in blue. Top half and bottom half of the map are missing. Area covered appears to be “Villeret” scale 1:20,000map, trench, barrage -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.Document - IAN DYETT COLLECTION: AUCTION CATALOGUE - MURRAY BARRAGES
... Two white covered auction catalogue with red and black printing for a sale at the Murray Barrages (Mouth of Murray) on 1st to 6th April, 1940. ...Document IAN DYETT COLLECTION: AUCTION CATALOGUE - MURRAY BARRAGES ...Two white covered auction catalogue with red and black printing for a sale at the Murray Barrages (Mouth of Murray) on 1st to 6th April, 1940. Sale was altered to one week later, the 8th to 13th April, 1940. For sale was Contractors, Engineers & Mining Machinery, Floating Plant, Locomotives, Stores, Buildings and Houses for Removal, Extensive Quantity of Oregon & Hardwood Timber, Scrap Iron, & Valuable Collection of Tools, Equipment & Sundries. Sold under instructions from the Supply & Tender Board, Adelaide. Auctioneers were J. H. Curnow & Son in association with R. E. Jackman & Co. Ltd. Some prices have been written in one catalogue. Black & white photos in the catalogue are: the Goolwa Barrage, Derrick Barge, 'Milang' Dipper Dredge, 'Captain Sturt' Steam Boat and Batter Pile Frame (for pile driving). The tattered copy has Mr. Curnow written in the top left corner. Contains description of some of the machinery.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - murray barrages, j h curnow & son, j l jamieson, r e jackman & co ltd, the supply & tender board adelaide, k p phillips -
Wangaratta RSL Sub BranchDocument - Citation, Military Medal
... During the attack on Polygon Wood Belgium on 20th September 1917 Pte Sandow displayed conspicuousu gallantry - He was an operator on Amplification and Power Buzzer Station in a chain of communication and in the enemy barrage he patrolled and repaired lines and earths utterly regardless of personal danger. ...Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch 2-4 Templeton Street Wangaratta high-country During the attack on Polygon Wood Belgium on 20th September 1917 Pte Sandow displayed conspicuousu gallantry - He was an operator on Amplification and Power Buzzer Station in a chain of communication and in the enemy barrage he patrolled and repaired lines and earths utterly regardless of personal danger. ...During the attack on Polygon Wood Belgium on 20th September 1917 Pte Sandow displayed conspicuousu gallantry - He was an operator on Amplification and Power Buzzer Station in a chain of communication and in the enemy barrage he patrolled and repaired lines and earths utterly regardless of personal danger. While in the performance of his duty his leg was shot away. He however completed his task. It was largely due to this man's effort that good communication was maintained. Private Sandow died of wounds on 22 September 1917 and was buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. Cream coloured citation with Australian Coat of Arms above black type contained in black border.Military Medal 1120 Private Roy Llewellyn Sandow 5th Australian Infantry Battalion attached 1st Australian Divisional Signal Company 1st Australian Divisionroy llewellyn sandow, polygon wood, belgium, 1917, ww1, 5th australian infantry battalion -
Bendigo Military MuseumPrint - SUNDERLAND, FRAMED, Robert Taylor, "CAUGHT ON THE SURFACE", 1970's
... . / At extreme low level, Sunderland U/461 braves a barrage of gunfire from all circling submarines..... / At extreme low level, Sunderland U/461 braves a barrage of gunfire from all circling submarines. ...From inscriptions and markings; 'To deliver a successful depth charge attack, sinking U-461 in a single pass. In an act of grace, the Sunderland pilot/ returned to the scene to drop a dinghy to the U-Boat survivors. Limited Edition "209/500".Print - on paper, print of a painting, in colour, depicting a "Sunderland" aircraft - flying boat attacking a U-boat. Background of sea and sky. Painting by aviation artist Robert Taylor. Title information and 9 signatures below painting. Frame - timber with light brown, gold and beige coloured paint. Decorative moulding. Mount - light purple colored cardboard. Glass front and cardboard backs.Information printed below painting on print "CAUGHT ON THE SURFACE"/ by/ Robert Taylor./ In a strange quirk of fate, a Sunderland of Number 461 Squadron RAAF, identification letter U, destroys submarine U-461,/ a type XIV tanker, one of three German submarines caught on the surface by Allied aircraft in the Bay of Biscay, on July 30 1943. / At extreme low level, Sunderland U/461 braves a barrage of gunfire from all circling submarines.print, framed accessories, military history, airforce, aircraft raaf -
Federation University Historical CollectionPhotograph (black & White), Field Artillery - South Africa
... It was this tactic of the creeping barrage that has been described as "revolutionary'. ...It was this tactic of the creeping barrage that has been described as "revolutionary'. second boer war ground forces battle of magersfontein battle of colenso general buller infantry ladysmith interlocking assaults Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards. ...The Second Boer War saw attempted application of bombardment as an alternative to the use of ground forces. In most battles fought during the conflict this was proved not to be possible. There was competition from the other side's ability to take evasive measures. The opponent was able to use cover to protect himself and hide his position. This was the tactic used against the British at the Battle of Magersfontein and the Battle of Colenso. The British had success when they ceased using artillery by itself and used it in conjunction with infantry. British General Buller linked the use of artillery and the movement of infantry in continuous interlocking assaults upon each hill south of Ladysmith. As soon as shelling had finished in a location the infantry moved. The front collapsed on the 27 February 1900 when use was made of a creeping curtain of shell fire sent over the heads of advancing infantry destroying everything 100 yards ahead of them. It was this tactic of the creeping barrage that has been described as "revolutionary'. Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards.second boer war, ground forces, battle of magersfontein, battle of colenso, general buller, infantry, ladysmith, interlocking assaults -
City of Melbourne LibrariesPhotograph, Bull, Hugh Jones, 1897-1993, Dawn Ceremony, Anzac Day, Shrine of Remembrance
... The Age reported: The many bright flashes of the press photographers called forth a barrage of remarks, such as passed down the trenches when the shelling began. ...The Age reported: The many bright flashes of the press photographers called forth a barrage of remarks, such as passed down the trenches when the shelling began. ...Dawn Service 25 April 1936 “And in the morning, we will remember them” A ghostly crowd of predominantly men gather before the Shrine of Remembrance at the Anzac Dawn Service on 25 April 1936. The picture was taken just before the Two Minutes’ silence. An estimated 8,000 were in attendance. The Age reported: The many bright flashes of the press photographers called forth a barrage of remarks, such as passed down the trenches when the shelling began. "Eyes down, they're rangeing on us," "Was that one of ours or one of Jerry's?" "Tin hats on, boys." Exhibition caption by project volunteer, Fiona Collyer. Published: The Age 27 April 1936 Featured in "Newsworthy : Melbourne in photographs 1933-1936", an exhibition held at East Melbourne Library from October to December 2023. THE IMMORTAL DAWN (1936, April 27). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 9. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205260905Photographer notations on slide: "General View Of Shrine. Dawn Ceremony - Anzac Day 1936 B107".shrine of remembrance, world war 1, 1930-1939 -
Wangaratta RSL Sub BranchMedal - Military Medal, Private Roy SANDOW MM
... His citation reads:- During the attack on Polygon Wood Belgium on 20th September 1917 Pte Sandow displayed conspicuous gallantry - He was an operator on Amplification and Power Buzzer Station in a chain of communication and in the enemy barrage he patrolled and repaired lines and earths utterly regardless of personal danger. ...His citation reads:- During the attack on Polygon Wood Belgium on 20th September 1917 Pte Sandow displayed conspicuous gallantry - He was an operator on Amplification and Power Buzzer Station in a chain of communication and in the enemy barrage he patrolled and repaired lines and earths utterly regardless of personal danger. ...Original Military Medal issued to Private Roy Llewellyn Sandow, born at Georgetown South Australia who enlisted in Melbourne on the 19th September 1914 and served with the 5th Battalion AIF. He was awarded the Military Medal for Bravery at Polygon Wood, Belgium on 20th September 1917 and died of his wounds on 22nd September 1917. His citation reads:- During the attack on Polygon Wood Belgium on 20th September 1917 Pte Sandow displayed conspicuous gallantry - He was an operator on Amplification and Power Buzzer Station in a chain of communication and in the enemy barrage he patrolled and repaired lines and earths utterly regardless of personal danger. While in the performance of his duty his leg was shot away. He however completed his task. It was largely due to this man's effort that good communication was maintained. Private Sandow died of wounds on 22 September 1917 and was buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery. Round silver metal disc medals with blue red and white striped ribbon 1120 Pte. R L. Sandow 5 / AUST INF, military medal, private roy l sandow, 5th battalion, ww1, polygon wood -
Melbourne LegacyPostcard, Postcards of Egypt
... 01137.1 Cairo - Sphinx and Pyramids 01137.2 Cairo - Arab Village near the Pyramids 01137.3 Cairo - The Citadel 01137.4 Cairo - General View of the Citadel 01137.5 Cairo - Sebil of Abbassia 01137.6 Cairo - Barrage Bridge 01137.7 Cairo - Native Woman 01137.8 Suez - Market Street 01137.9 Alexandria - San Stefano Casino 01137.10 Alexandria - Native Bazaar new Napoleon's Fort 01137.11 Alexandria - Mohamed Aly Place 01137.12 Alexandria - The Light House 01137.13 Alexandria - Column of Menasce 01137.14 Alexandria - Ramleh Boulevard 01137.15 Suez - The Port -Twefik Quay 01137.16 Suez - Railway Station Each one has the word POST CARD on the reverse with room for an address and an area for Correspondence. ...These places in Egypt could have been visited by the first Legatees when they were soldiers in World War 1. souvenir world war one 01137.1 Cairo - Sphinx and Pyramids 01137.2 Cairo - Arab Village near the Pyramids 01137.3 Cairo - The Citadel 01137.4 Cairo - General View of the Citadel 01137.5 Cairo - Sebil of Abbassia 01137.6 Cairo - Barrage Bridge 01137.7 Cairo - Native Woman 01137.8 Suez - Market Street 01137.9 Alexandria - San Stefano Casino 01137.10 Alexandria - Native Bazaar new Napoleon's Fort 01137.11 Alexandria - Mohamed Aly Place 01137.12 Alexandria - The Light House 01137.13 Alexandria - Column of Menasce 01137.14 Alexandria - Ramleh Boulevard 01137.15 Suez - The Port -Twefik Quay 01137.16 Suez - Railway Station Each one has the word POST CARD on the reverse with room for an address and an area for Correspondence. ...Postcards were a common form of souvenirs for soldiers who were travelling either during World War 1, or just after, or while returning to Australia. These postcard scenes include the Sphinx, the Pyramids, Cairo, Alexandria, and Suez including mosques and marketplaces. The Suez Canal was used by troop ships, so this was often the first time soldiers from Australia saw Egyptians. Many troops in World War 1 were stationed first in Egypt (including near Cairo) to train before heading to Gallipoli, Turkey or on to the Western Front. These were with other World War 1 memorabilia that has come from Private John Basil McLean, 2nd Reinforcements, 37th Battalion, A.I.F. There was a large collection of postcards so he may have been collecting them as souvenirs (none of these have been written on or posted). He also had a vesta (match) case from Belfast, so it is likely he visited there. J.B. McLean (Service No. 13824) was from near Maffra, Victoria and enlisted on 22 January 1916. He embarked on 16 December 1916 for Europe. His full war record is available from AWM. He spent time with the Australian Field Artillery (Pack Section). At the end of the war he worked for a year at the A.I.F. Headquarters in London before returning to Australia on the 'Ceramic', arriving Portsea in 1920.Postcards were a very common form of communication in the first World War. Postcards as souvenirs or as correspondence would have been familiar to the first Legatees as they had served in World War 1. These places in Egypt could have been visited by the first Legatees when they were soldiers in World War 1.Postcards x 16 with images from Cairo, Alexandria and Suez in Egypt and a purple card holder that once contained 12 views of Suez (only 3 here).01137.1 Cairo - Sphinx and Pyramids 01137.2 Cairo - Arab Village near the Pyramids 01137.3 Cairo - The Citadel 01137.4 Cairo - General View of the Citadel 01137.5 Cairo - Sebil of Abbassia 01137.6 Cairo - Barrage Bridge 01137.7 Cairo - Native Woman 01137.8 Suez - Market Street 01137.9 Alexandria - San Stefano Casino 01137.10 Alexandria - Native Bazaar new Napoleon's Fort 01137.11 Alexandria - Mohamed Aly Place 01137.12 Alexandria - The Light House 01137.13 Alexandria - Column of Menasce 01137.14 Alexandria - Ramleh Boulevard 01137.15 Suez - The Port -Twefik Quay 01137.16 Suez - Railway Station Each one has the word POST CARD on the reverse with room for an address and an area for Correspondence. Different makers.souvenir, world war one -
Bendigo Military MuseumPhotograph - REMEMBRANCE PHOTO, Vincent Kelly, Post 1919
... He later carried ammunition to the front line through heavy barrages. He set a splendid example of devotion and courage. ...He later carried ammunition to the front line through heavy barrages. He set a splendid example of devotion and courage. ...George Frederick PIERCE No 2839 AIF. The photo shows him wearing the award of the “DCM” which has been superimposed on the photo. George enlisted on 29.6.1915 age 20 years in the 9th Reinforcements 6th Bn AIF, embarked for Eygpt 9.10.1915, embarked for France 2.4.1916, Awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in 1917, KIA Belgium 4.10.1917, no known grave. DCM award. For Conspicious Gallantry and Devotion to Duty. He took Command of his Lewis Gun Section in an attack and bombed an enemy Machine Gun post single handed and captured the Gun. He later carried ammunition to the front line through heavy barrages. He set a splendid example of devotion and courage. This photo has been cropped out of the original which had 3 soldiers in it. Refer Cat No 5459P This is the first item in a large collection that belonged to William (Bill) Thomason. Bill served in the RAN from 1947 - 1949. He was the Author of 3 books: "Marching On", Cat No 4821, "March to Ranau", Cat No 862 and "March to Waikato", Cat No 5289. Bill was a collector and ran a small Military Museum in View Street Bendigo for a time.Photo B & W, portrait of a soldier with studio background pasted onto a larger grey background with flowers, flags, kangaroo, emu and details under. On the cardboard, writing relates to the award of the “DCM”. The grey background has a darker surround and red stamp in the right hand corner.“No 2839 Pte G.F.PIERCE DCM (Infy)”photography, military, remembrance -
Melbourne LegacyDocument, Paschendaele. Report from L/tee Frank Doolan Feb 1974, 1974
... It certainly captures the atmosphere of devastation caused by artillery barrage, and emphasises the duck boards which were initiated by the AIF to help communication over the blasted terrain of mud, and shell holes of Flanders Fields. ...It certainly captures the atmosphere of devastation caused by artillery barrage, and emphasises the duck boards which were initiated by the AIF to help communication over the blasted terrain of mud, and shell holes of Flanders Fields. ...A note that Legatee Frank Doolan wrote to capture an encounter with a widow. "Mrs Nora Sennett, a cousin of the late Sir Stanley Savige recently wrote to enquire of the whereabouts of the oil painting which had been presented by her late husband to Legacy on the occasion when Stan Savige had opened an exhibition of his work in the Athenaeum Gallery. Mrs Sennett was visited at her new domicile in the MECWA block of single units in Warner St Malvern, and was assured that the painting was well cared for and was hung in a prominent place in Melbourne Legacy Comradeship Corner. She is one of our senior widows now aged 87, and was one of a family of five girls, all of whom are still living and who were one of the early families of Korumburra. Mrs Sennett explained how her late husband, who served with the 39th Battalion (EGGS ARE COOKED) was with General McNicoll on the site of the painting at Passchendaele. and the General remarked that he should paint the scene some day. It certainly captures the atmosphere of devastation caused by artillery barrage, and emphasises the duck boards which were initiated by the AIF to help communication over the blasted terrain of mud, and shell holes of Flanders Fields. FJD' Was with other memorabilia that has come from Frank Doolan from both his war service and his time with Legacy. He was on the archive committee and made attempts to collate the history of Legacy. This note shows that there was a painting of Passchedale painted by Stan Savige's cousin and donated to Legacy. Plus Legatees were still visiting the widow of the painter in 1974.A note x 2 pages written by Frank Doolan about a visit to a widow.Report is handwritten. In top right corner 'Report from L/tee F. Doolan Feb 1974' is in red type.world war one, legatee -
Victorian Interpretive Projects Inc.Photograph - Colour, Gaida Stevens, World War One Tunnel Entrance, Lone Pine, Gallipoli, 2015, 2015
... At 5.30 pm on 6 August 1915, the Australian artillery barrage lifted and from concealed trenches in no man’s land the 1st Australian Brigade charged towards the Turkish trenches. ...At 5.30 pm on 6 August 1915, the Australian artillery barrage lifted and from concealed trenches in no man’s land the 1st Australian Brigade charged towards the Turkish trenches. ...Lone Pine was an action that featured one of the most famous assaults of the Gallipoli campaign. The attack was planned as a diversion for the Australian and New Zealand units that were to breakout from the Anzac perimeter by capturing the heights of Chunuk Bair and Hill 971. At 5.30 pm on 6 August 1915, the Australian artillery barrage lifted and from concealed trenches in no man’s land the 1st Australian Brigade charged towards the Turkish trenches. The troops paused on reaching the Turkish trenches, finding that many were covered by timber roofs. Some fired, bombed and bayoneted from above, some found their way inside and others ran on past to the open communications and support trenches behind. Others advanced as far as "the Cup" which was where Turkish support units were located and from where the Turks counter-attacked. By nightfall, most of the enemy front line was in Australian hands and outposts had been established in former Turkish communication trenches. The Australian Engineers dug a safe passage across no man’s land so that reinforcements could enter the captured positions without being exposed to Turkish fire. Having captured the Turkish trenches, the Australians now tried to hold what they had taken while the Turks desperately and determinedly tried to throw the Australians out. From nightfall on 6 August until the night of 9 August a fierce battle ensued underground in the complex maze of Turkish tunnels. The Australians succeeded in drawing the whole of the immediate Turkish reserve. Six Australian battalions suffered nearly 2,300 killed and wounded at Lone Pine. Seven Australians were awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest number ever awarded to an Australian division for one action.(http://www.awmlondon.gov.au/battles/lone-pine)Entrance to a tunnel at Lone Pine, Gallipoli. gallipoli, world war one, tunnel, mmm -
Wodonga & District Historical Society IncUniform - Uniform of Bombardier Charles Frederick Clark
... Just prior to the attack their gun positions were very heavily shelled and this continued throughout the barrage fire covering the advance. The work of these NCOs, who could not remain under cover all the time, was extremely dangerous, the enemy batteries having the range exactly. ...Just prior to the attack their gun positions were very heavily shelled and this continued throughout the barrage fire covering the advance. The work of these NCOs, who could not remain under cover all the time, was extremely dangerous, the enemy batteries having the range exactly. ...Charles Frederick Clark was 1 of 3 sons of Thomas and Elizabeth Clark of Bonegilla who served in WW1. Charles, Ernest and Thomas were the eldest children of a family of 12 children. At the age of 25, Charles enlisted in 13th Light Horse Brigade 1st Reinforcement on 25 January 1915. He was later transferred to the 2nd Division Artillery Column and the 4th Australian Medium Trench Mortar Battery. Charles served in Egypt, Gallipoli and France. As a result of his actions at the Third Battle of Morlancourt on the Western Front, Charles was awarded the Military Medal. The citation for the medal read:- Awarded: Military Medal 24th June 1918 Recommended by: Brigadier-General O. F. Phillips Commanding 2nd Division Artillery Column Action for which commended: 637 Bombardier Charles Frederick Clark 868 Bombardier (T/Corporal) George Traill McLennan "On the night 10/11th June 1918 during the attack South of MORLANCOURT near ALBERT, these NCOs showed great courage and determination under most trying conditions. They were each in charge of 6” Newton Mortars which had very important tasks. Just prior to the attack their gun positions were very heavily shelled and this continued throughout the barrage fire covering the advance. The work of these NCOs, who could not remain under cover all the time, was extremely dangerous, the enemy batteries having the range exactly. Their great gallantry set a splendid example of coolness to their men." (Signed) C. Rosenthal, Major General Commanding 2nd Australian Division He also received the 1914-15 Star, the British War medal and the Victory Medal.This uniform is significant as it was worn by a Wodonga District resident who received the Military Medal which was awarded for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire during World War 1.Khaki Australia WW1 uniform for AIF. This uniform has 2 external patch chest pockets and 2 internal pockets with opening flap. It has 5 central buttons and 4 pocket buttons. There is a buttoned down epaulet on each shoulder and unit badges sewn onto each arm. An AIF Rising collar badge is on each peak of the collar. A strip of service ribbons is attached at the top of one chest pocket.australian military uniforms, ww1 bonella, military medal, 13th light horse, 4th australian medium trench mortar battery -
City of Melbourne LibrariesPhotograph, Bull, Hugh Jones, 1897-1993, Vice-regal visit to zoo: Lord Huntingfield meets an emu
... In Sydney, picture palace patrons expressed “considerable concern” after viewing the Movietone News newsreel of emus fleeing from the barrage of machine-guns, and wounded emus in the fields in Campion. ...In Sydney, picture palace patrons expressed “considerable concern” after viewing the Movietone News newsreel of emus fleeing from the barrage of machine-guns, and wounded emus in the fields in Campion. ...Photographer notations on slide: "Vice Regal visit to Zoo B42" Not published. Description: A group of men and one woman all dressed in hats and overcoats stand by a wire fence while watching an emu. Research by project volunteer, Fiona Collyer: On 25 June 1934, new Victorian Governor, His Excellency Lord Huntingfield and his wife Lady Huntingfield made an official visit to the Melbourne Zoological Gardens in order to grant his patronage to the Royal Zoological and Acclimatisation Society. During the visit, zoo director Mr. Andrew Wilkie introduced them to some of the zoo’s inhabitants, including an emu. After the First World War, many returned soldiers took up the Government’s offer of land in the Soldier Settlement Scheme. Most of the veterans had little or no farming experience and much of the land offered was of poor quality, with blocks often too small to be viable. Many of the settlers had ongoing physical and mental injuries from the war. The Western Australian government allocated land to 5000 former soldiers but by 1929, one quarter of the men had already abandoned their land, unable to make a living. Not only was the world economy struggling with the Great Depression, but the settlers also had to contend with plummeting wheat and wool prices, crippling drought and rabbit infestation. The Scullin Government (Oct 1929-Jan 1932) had promised subsidies to the Western Australian farmers if they increased their wheat crops but were unable to pass the legislation in the Senate. The new Lyons Government (Jan 1932-April 1939) abandoned the legislation and the subsidies were never paid, bringing calls from Western Australia of secession from Australia. In October 1932, a deputation of soldier settlers from the Campion wheatbelt region in Western Australia, petitioned Commonwealth Minister for Defence, Western Australian Senator Sir George Pearce, for assistance. A mob of 20,000 emus were migrating to the coast after breeding and were gathering along the eastern side of the Number 1 Rabbit Proof Fence, attracted to the ripening crops and the dams the farmers had built. They were heading towards Campion, 303 kilometres east of Perth, eating and trampling the wheat, destroying the fences and letting the rabbits in. Having witnessed firsthand the effectiveness of machine guns in killing people in war, the former soldiers thought the guns would be ideal for killing emus. Sir George, wanting to demonstrate that his government was sympathetic to the settlers and hoping to quell Western Australian succession talk, agreed. However, he stipulated that no expense would be incurred by the Commonwealth Government and only active military personnel could use the machine guns. The farmers had to pay for the ammunition, food and accommodation for the military for the length of the operation. The cost for the ammunition was £50 for 10,000 rounds. Sir George also felt the operation would provide excellent target practice for the soldiers! The operation was headed by Major Gwynydd Purves Wynn-Aubrey Meredith, 1887-1975, of the Seventh Heavy Battery of the Royal Australian Artillery, and assisted by Sergeant S. McMurray and Gunner J. O'Halloran. They were equipped with two American-designed Lewis light machine guns and 10,000 rounds. Each magazine held 47 rounds of ammunition and the gun was capable of firing 500 to 600 rounds per minute with effective firing range of 800 metres. A cinematographer from British Movietone News accompanied the soldiers in order to record what was expected to be not only an easy victory but also useful propaganda for both the military and the Lyons Government. Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae, meaning New Holland Racer) is a species of long-necked flightless bird endemic to Australia. The Tasmanian and the dwarf King and Kangaroo Island subspecies were hunted to extinction after the European settlement of Australia. It is the second largest bird in the world after the ostrich, standing up to 1.9 metres tall and weighing up to 50 kilograms. The Emu has long, powerful legs with three forward facing toes and is the only bird with calf muscles. It is able to jump 2.1 metres into the air and run 50 kilometres per hour. It communicates by drumming and booming through an inflatable neck sac which can be heard up to two kilometres away. Along with its tough hide and a body more feathers than flesh, the emu can be a tricky target. Emus had been a protected native species until 1922, when the government changed their status to “vermin” in response to the emus breaking down fences and destroying crops. Major Meredith told the press that Colonel Oswald V. Hoad of the 1st Cavalry Division NSW had especially requested he send 100 emu skins to replenish the plumage on his Light Horsemen’s hat tops. On the first day of the Emu War, 2 November 1932, Major Meredith spotted a mob of emus out of range of the guns, so he asked the farmers to use their vehicles to drive the emus towards the fence and the guns. The panicked birds split into small groups, kicking up the dust and scattering every which way. Only six were killed, though some were wounded. After that, the emus became very wary of humans. On 4 November, Major Meredith staged a dawn ambush at a dam. As 1000 emus approached to drink, the soldiers opened fire, killing 12 emus. After reloading, the gun jammed and the emus dispersed in all directions, and were not sighted again that day. The West Australian newspaper reported on 4 November 1932 that, “The emus have proved that they are not so stupid as they are usually considered to be. Each mob has its leader, always an enormous black-plumed bird standing fully six-feet high, who keeps watch while his fellows busy themselves with the wheat. At the first suspicious sign, he gives the signal, and dozens of heads stretch up out of the crop. A few birds will take fright, starting a headlong stampede for the scrub, the leader always remaining until his followers have reached safety.” In a later attempt, they mounted a gun onto the bed of a truck in order to chase and mow down the birds. However the truck couldn’t drive fast enough over the rough terrain and it was too bumpy to fire the gun accurately. The birds easily outran the truck except for one hapless emu who faltered while being chased and fell under the truck, its body wedging in the steering gear, causing the driver to crash the truck, and bringing down half a chain of the rabbit proof fence. RSPCA inspector Mr. Arthur Austin arrived with a rifle and knife in order to finish the work of the Lewis guns and dispatch injured emus. He said that while his society was sympathetic to the stricken settlers, he was anxious that wounded birds should not be left to suffer. Major Meredith told the inspector, “What speed can you run? You have to be better than Peter Pan if you want to catch wounded emus that make for the scrub.” (Racehorse “Peter Pan” had won the 1932 Melbourne Cup a few weeks earlier.) The commentator of the British Movietime newsreel uses a jocular tone to optimistically proclaim, “The scouts [emus] of the advancing army have keen eyesight, and in order to get close to the main body, our lads have to do some real stalking, with the enemy watching events through their periscopes raised up over the heads of corn... Instead of the birds ruining the farmers, tables are turned, there will be no more damage down here for many a day to come once the enemy is eliminated.” Emus proved tougher adversaries than expected, barely breaking stride even when badly injured from machine gun bullets, and the suspicious emus soon learnt to stay out of range of the men and their guns. Meanwhile, in the eastern states concern was being expressed about the cruelty of machine-gunning the native birds. Senator James Guthrie UAP of Victoria suggested that there must be “more humane, if less spectacular methods” of coping with the pests. People wrote letters to the newspapers to express their dismay at the inhumane methods used. R.F. Bellchambers from Humbug Scrub, 25 November 1932, lamented that, “At the present rate of extinctions, it will shortly be necessary to go to the Museum to see the remains of our fauna.” The Murchison Times published a letter on 16 November 1932 from “Clay Pan Joe”: “War on Emus. Slaughter of innocent birds would be more appropriate... The birds may be a nuisance and it may be necessary to destroy them, but why cause so much suffering amongst these innocent birds.” E.S. Playford of Norton’s Summit wrote to The Advertiser, 22 November 1932, that “...habitation on the earth would be impossible without bird life. Therefore, it is unwise to say that any bird is useless. Is sentiment dying? Are we so keen on personal gain that our lovely and unique birds have to be ruthlessly slaughtered in thousands and their bodies left rotting in the sun?” In Sydney, picture palace patrons expressed “considerable concern” after viewing the Movietone News newsreel of emus fleeing from the barrage of machine-guns, and wounded emus in the fields in Campion. The press had a field day, dubbing it the “The Emu War” and joking that the “Chicago method” was being used against the feathered foe. The Daily News newspaper published a cartoon depicting the emus outrunning and outsmarting the soldiers. In Parliament NSW Senator James Dunn called Sir George the “Minister for the Emu War”. Labor member Mr. Rosevear, midst great laughter, asked if the minister would consider declaring an armistice and withdrawing his troops from the Western Front. Prime Minister Joe Lyons was asked if medals would be struck for those taking part in the war. Labor parliamentarian Mr. A.E. Green declared any medals should go to the emus who had “won every round so far”. With the embarrassing press coverage and poor results, Sir George ordered a stop to the project on 9 November, and Major Meredith and the soldiers departed for Perth. The WA Premier Sir James Mitchell and the Campion farmers demanded they return, citing the continued destruction of crops and fences by the emus. Major Meredith and his two gunners were allowed to return on 13 November and seemingly having learnt from their previous experiences, had slightly more success this time killing emus. The operation finally finished on 10 December with Major Meredith reporting “definite kills” of 986 emus for 9860 rounds of ammunition, coincidentally and conveniently exactly 10% of the number of rounds used. A further 2500 birds were said to have died from their injuries and although this is a disputed figure, even if accurate, the ratio of rounds expended to emu casualties was thought too high to justify continuing. The operation barely caused a dint in the marauding mob of 20,000 emus. “There’s only one way to kill an emu”, one of the party bitterly remarked: “Shoot him through the back of the head when his mouth is closed or through the front of his mouth when his mouth is open. That’s how hard it is.” Australian ornithologist Dominic L. Serventy noted that “The machine-gunners’ dreams of point blank fire into serried masses of Emus were soon dissipated. The Emu command had evidently ordered guerrilla tactics, and its unwieldy army soon split up into innumerable small units that made use of the military equipment uneconomic. A crestfallen field force therefore withdrew from the combat area after about a month.” Major Meredith expressed the greatest of respect for the enemy. He said, “If we had a military division with the bullet-carrying capacity of these birds, it would face any army in the world. They could face machine guns with the invulnerability of tanks. They are like Zulus, whom even dum dum bullets would not stop." The Major’s official report stated that there were no human casualties in “The Emu War.” Emus are considered the victors of “The Great Emu War.” Western Australian farmers requested military assistance in 1934, 1943 and 1948, including using bombs, but the government refused. The bounty system instigated in 1923 continued, with farmers using rifles against their fleet-footed foe, with 57,034 bounties for dead emus claimed in six months in 1934 in Western Australia alone. 284,704 emus were killed in Western Australia between 1945 and 1960. The other most effective defence against the emus was the construction of a robust, vermin proof fence spanning over a long distance. Emus were formally protected in 1999 by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. It’s estimated there are between 625,000 to 725,000 wild emus in Australia in 2024. An emu and a kangaroo feature on Australia’s coat of arms, holding up a shield illustrated with symbols of the six states. The animals symbolise the nation moving forward as neither animal can walk backwards. Campion is now a ghost town. A book about the operation, “Letters from the Emu War” by J.A. Bryden was published in 2023 by Playtime Books. In 2024, an Australian film called “The Emu War” was released, starring Damian Callinan and Luke McGregor. Andrew Arthur Wellesley Wilkie, 1853-1948, was Director of the Melbourne Zoo from 1923 to 1936 and was associated with the zoo for 70 years. He first worked as a horticultural assistant to Government botanist Baron Ferdinand von Mueller at the Botanical Gardens at the age of 13, along with his older brother David. One of Andrew’s jobs was to capture moths for the National Herbarium. In 1857, a group of prominent Melburnians assembled at St. Patrick’s Hall to form the Zoological Society of Victoria, with the aim of introducing animals and plants from overseas. It was conceived, “For the purposes of science and for that of affording the public the advantages of studying the habits of the animal creation in properly arranged zoological gardens.” The Victorian Government granted 32 acres (13 hectares) of land to the Zoological Society at the southern end of Richmond Paddock on the opposite bank to the Botanical Gardens. (This is where AAMI Stadium and Collingwood Football Club now stand.) In 1861, the Zoological Society of Victoria was renamed The Acclimatisation Society of Victoria. Unfortunately the Yarra River frontage was damp, swampy and subject to flooding, so the animals were briefly housed at the Botanical Gardens until in 1862, the City of Melbourne donated 55 acres (22 hectares) of land at Royal Park for the fledgling zoo. Baron von Mueller secured employment at Royal Park for Andrew and David and they helped to lay out the gardens, plant trees and take care of a collection of deer, pheasants, hares and partridges. Initially the zoo was used for the acclimatisation of animals recovering from the long voyage to Australia and for breeding them for sport. In 1872, the zoo bought two lions, a leopard and a cheetah that had been seized from circus showmen Keith and Phillips when they were unable to pay the bill of butcher Mr T K Bennet of Bourke Street. The first zoo director, Mr. Albert Le Souef, negotiated with captains of ships to buy animals at overseas ports they visited and soon a multitude of exotic species arrived, including a ten-year-old Indian elephant in 1878. In 1923, after being head keeper for some years, Andrew was appointed director of the zoo. By 1933, the zoo had 110 different species of animals, 200 species of birds and 72 species of reptiles under Andrew’s care. He had personally planted all but six trees and laid out the garden beds. As director he lobbied authorities for funds to build more humane enclosures for the animals. In June 1928, Table Talk magazine wrote of Andrew Wilkie: “Up at the Zoo there is a humble gentleman who is a lion among the lions, who knows the proper specific to employ when the boa constrictor has chilblains, and who is a friend and confidant of Queenie the elephant. His fount of zoological lore has never been plumbed. It is bottomless, like his good fellowship and geniality. Every day he may be seen somewhere in the grounds of that growing sanctuary for the strange and arresting fauna and creeping things of the world, and I assure you as one who is privy to his passion that that area and its inhabitants are rarely out of his thoughts.” Andrew retired from the zoo in 1936 at the age of 83 and in 1948 died at his home in Brunswick aged 94. He and his wife Josephine had six children. The Victorian Acclimatisation Society was founded in 1861 by Edward Wilson, 1813-1878, then owner and editor of The Argus newspaper. He said that Australian indigenous animals were practically useless, providing only “a little sport and an occasional meal”. The Society believed that Australia’s plants and animals were vastly inferior to those in Europe. They wanted to introduce and acclimatise to Victoria “all innoxious animals, birds, fishes, insects and vegetables, whether useful or ornamental” for sport and for the table, and to spread indigenous animals and plants from the colony around the world. Their motto was “if it lives, we want it”. The Society was primarily responsible for introducing sparrows, starlings, sambar and hog deer, ostriches, brown trout, blackberries, and carp to the Murray River. They released the European songbirds, thrush and blackbird to quell the homesickness of British settlers. The Society also sent Australian animals like platypus, echidnas, kangaroos and koalas to Europe for scientific and novelty purposes. Thomas Austin, a wealthy sheep farmer of Barwon Park, Winchelsea (property now owned by the National Trust) was a member and in 1859 he introduced hares, blackbirds, thrushes and partridges onto his property. He is probably best known for introducing 24 breeding rabbits onto his estate as game for shooting parties. Thomas quipped, “The introduction of a few rabbits could do little harm and might provide a touch of home, in addition to a spot of hunting." In 2022, genomic data confirmed that Australia’s feral rabbit population is entirely descended from these rabbits. Biological control has brought the rabbit population down from an estimated high of 10 billion rabbits in the 1920s to approximately 200 million today, inhabiting 70% of Australian landmass (5.3 million square kilometres). In 1872, the Acclimatisation Society was renamed The Zoological and Acclimatisation Society of Victoria and they focused on importing exotic animals for display purposes to the zoo. In 1937, the Royal Acclimatisation Society of Victoria was recreated as the Zoological Board of Victoria with a focus on research of native animals threatened with extinction. In an editorial for The Argus newspaper, 16 March 1856, Edward Wilson lamented: "...this country has been shamelessly stolen from the blacks. Had they been like the New Zealanders or the North American Indians, we should have bought their land, and supplied them with the means of living when we took it... In less than twenty years we have nearly swept them off the face of the earth. We have shot them down like dogs. In the guise of friendship we have issued corrosion sublimate in their damper, and consigned whole tribes to the agonies of an excruciating death. We have made them drunkards, and infected them with disease which has rotted the bones of their adults, and made such few children as are born amongst them a sorrow and a torture from the very instant of their birth. We have made them outcasts on their own land, and are rapidly consigning them to entire annihilation. There are but a few of them left, comparatively. This is what we would do for that few. We would feed and clothe every one of them.” [Note: this last sentence is italicized in the original newspaper article text]. Lord Huntingfield, (William Charles Arcedeckne Vanneck) 1883-1969, Governor of Victoria 1934-1939, was a British Conservative Party politician and the first ever Australian-born Governor of an Australian state (although he was always considered British). He was patron of the Royal Zoological and Acclimatisation Society of Victoria and was acting Governor-General for six months during the absence of Lord Gowie in 1938. Lady Huntingfield (née Margaret Eleanor Crosby) 1884-1943, his American-born wife showed great interest in social welfare and the advancement of women and children. She was president of the City Newsboys Society and Patroness of the Girls Friendly Society. In 1937, rose breeder Alister Clark named a yellow hybrid tea rose for her. In 1940, the City of Melbourne opened the Lady Huntingfield Free Kindergarten in North Melbourne, now the Lady Huntingfield Early Learning and Family Services Centre. Lady Huntingfield died in London in 1943 after her house was bombed during a German airstrike. The Lady Huntingfield Memorial Scholarship was established after the City of Melbourne raised £1000 in a public appeal conducted in her memory for students undertaking a Social Work degree at the University of Melbourne. It is awarded annually to this day. The Queen Victoria Hospital named a bed in her honour. References: VICE-ROYALTY GREETS THE KING OF BEASTS AT THE ZOO. (1934, June 26). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved August 23, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article204818472 Prominent Personalities ANDREW WILKIE (1928, June 7). Table Talk (Melbourne, Vic. : 1885 - 1939), p. 15. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146562949 'Edward Wilson (journalist)', Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Wilson_(journalist) 'Thomas Austin (pastoralist)', Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Austin_(pastoralist) 'The Acclimatisation Society was driven by misguided ideals about 'fixing nature' in Australia', ABC News, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-04/acclimatisation-society-introduced-species-history-listen/101588262?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web THE ABORIGINES. (1856, March 16). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 5. Retrieved September 28, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4833244 WAR ON EMUS. (1932, November 4). The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved September 29, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32588972 'The Great Emu War: how it started and who won', ABC Australia, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1wA0PKeJqc Advertising (1932, November 25). The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved October 26, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32584578 Emu Chasers Must Outstrip Peter Pan (1932, November 9). The Labor Daily (Sydney, NSW : 1924 - 1938), p. 5. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article237042749 WAR ON EMUS (1932, November 22). The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954), p. 18. Retrieved October 15, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73997254 WAR ON EMUS. (1932, October 28). The Labor Daily (Sydney, NSW : 1924 - 1938), p. 6. Retrieved October 24, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article237046601 EMU WAR (1932, December 3). Mirror (Perth, WA : 1921 - 1956), p. 7. Retrieved October 24, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75626301 Machine Gun Offensive Against Emus. (1932, November 10). Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954), p. 3 (PICTORIAL SECTION). Retrieved October 24, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37766670 A THOUSAND BIRDS IN LUCK. (1932, November 10). Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954), p. 28. Retrieved October 11, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37766849 New Strategy In A War On The Emu (1953, July 5). The Sunday Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1949 - 1953), p. 13. Retrieved October 11, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18516559 This is a nice emu-that was! (1932, November 5). The Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 - 1955), p. 9 (HOME EDITION). Retrieved September 30, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article82878309 LOCAL AND GENERAL (1932, November 16). The Murchison Times (Cue, WA : 1924 - 1937), p. 2. Retrieved October 14, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article257500260 Taking Him for a Ride! (1932, October 13). The Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 - 1955), p. 6 (HOME EDITION). Retrieved September 30, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article83717338 'The Emu War', History Nuggets, https://historynuggets.squarespace.com/nuggets/2018/4/21/the-emu-war New Strategy In A War On The Emu (1953, July 5). The Sunday Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1949 - 1953), p. 13. Retrieved October 23, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18516559 'This is the story of how Australia went to war with emus and lost', First Dog on the Moon, https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jul/26/this-is-the-story-of-how-australia-went-to-war-with-emus-and-lost Photographer notations on slide: "Vice Regal visit to Zoo B42"emu wars, governors, melbourne zoo, city of melbourne, 1930-1939, hunting, lord huntingfield, lady huntingfield, royal park, animals, wildlife -
Waverley RSL Sub BranchMinefield Warning Flag
... Major General Iven Mackay's 6th Division assaulted the strongly held Italian fortress of Bardia, Libya, assisted by air support and naval gunfire, and under the cover of an artillery barrage. The 16th Infantry Brigade attacked at dawn from the west, where the defences were known to be weak. ...German Luftwaffe (Land Forces) minefield warning flag from WWII.originally intended to be gas markers, rather than mines, but as it turned out, the use changed .they were mounted on a red metal pole & there were 12 to a set in a leather pack. This Flag was presented to the Treasurer of Waverley RSL. It is a souvenir from Bardia in Libya The Battle of Bardia was fought over three days between 3 and 5 January 1941, as part of Operation Compass, the first military operation of the Western Desert Campaign of the Second World War. It was the first battle of the war in which an Australian Army formation took part, the first to be commanded by an Australian general and the first to be planned by an Australian staff. Major General Iven Mackay's 6th Division assaulted the strongly held Italian fortress of Bardia, Libya, assisted by air support and naval gunfire, and under the cover of an artillery barrage. The 16th Infantry Brigade attacked at dawn from the west, where the defences were known to be weak. Sappers blew gaps in the barbed wire with Bangalore torpedoes and filled in and broke down the sides of the anti-tank ditch with picks and shovels. This allowed the infantry and 23 Matilda II tanks of the 7th Royal Tank Regiment to enter the fortress and capture all their objectives, along with 8,000 prisoners. In the second phase of the operation, the 17th Infantry Brigade exploited the breach made in the perimeter, and pressed south as far as a secondary line of defences known as the Switch Line. On the second day, the 16th Infantry Brigade captured the township of Bardia, cutting the fortress in two. Thousands of prisoners were taken, and the Italian garrison now held out only in the northern and southernmost parts of the fortress. On the third day, the 19th Infantry Brigade advanced south from Bardia, supported by artillery and the Matilda tanks, now reduced in number to just six. Its advance allowed the 17th Infantry Brigade to make progress as well, and the two brigades reduced the southern sector of the fortress. Meanwhile, the Italian garrisons in the north surrendered to the 16th Infantry Brigade and the Support Group of the British 7th Armoured Division outside the fortress. In all, some 36,000 Italian prisoners were taken. The victory at Bardia enabled the Allied forces to continue the advance into Libya and ultimately capture almost all of Cyrenaica. In turn this would lead to German intervention in the fighting in North Africa, changing the nature of the war in that theatre. Bardia boosted the competence and reputation of the Australian Army. Perhaps most important of all, it raised confidence in the possibility of an ultimate Allied victory around the world, which would lead to the Lend-Lease Act being passed in the United States http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_BardiaCloth Flag bearing a skull and cross Bones on a metal spike mounted on a square varnished wooden basebardia, land mine, marker flag, minefield, mustard gas -
The Beechworth Burke MuseumPhotograph, c. 1917
... In the face of heavy fire, the men fought in the mire while struggling to keep up with their artillery barrages. Ground was taken but it could not be held. ...This photograph depicts the third battle of Ypres (Battle of Passchendaele). Depicted is a trench battlefield that has been turned to mud. Two army tank vehicles have been buried in the mud of the trenches. A single soldier stands in the background surveying the battlefield.After mid-1917, and following mutinies in the over-strained French Army, the British Forces had to assume an even greater role in the war on the Western Front. For Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, the British commander-in-chief, this provided an opportunity to launch an offensive that he had long wanted. Attacking from Ypres in Belgium, he planned to drive the Germans from the surrounding dominant ridges and even hoped to reach the Belgian coast. Following on the success at Messines in June, he unleashed his great attack on 31 July 1917. Fighting went on, often in appalling weather and despite crippling losses, until November. Finally, with the army stuck in muddy fields churned up by the artillery fire, the bloody offensive came to an untidy close. Many would afterwards call this offensive, actually a series of battles, after the name of the village that had become the last objective – 'Passchendaele'. In the Battle off Passchendaele, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Australian Divisions captured Broodseinde Ridge on 4 October 1917. It was a vital victory. But, then it began to rain. Five days later the 2nd Australian Division suffered heavily in a further attack in the mud. Finally, on 12 October, another attack, involving the 3rd Division assisted by the 4th, was made against the village of Passchendaele atop the main ridge. In the face of heavy fire, the men fought in the mire while struggling to keep up with their artillery barrages. Ground was taken but it could not be held. In wretched conditions, with casualties mounting at an appalling rate, the Australians had to fall back. The troops were finally exhausted and could do no more; by 15 November they handed over to the Canadians.Black and white rectangular reproduced photograph printed on mate photographic paperReverse: 6523/ (A copyright and reproduction notice from the Australian War Museum, printed upside-down in blue ink)/military album, burke museum, beechworth, military vehicle, trenches, trench warfare, wwi, world war one, world war 1, ypres, belgium -
Monbulk RSL Sub BranchBook, Arcturus Publishing, 1918 : the year of victories, 2003
... Victory could only be gained by the immediate application of overwhelming force in new tactical form; the 'fire-waltz' artillery barrage and the storm-trooper infantry attack. 1918 examines both the Germans' tactics and the Allies' preferred solution to fighting this war, the combination of artillery, tanks, infantry and aircraft, and argues that this reached a level of sophistication in command and control never before achieved. ...At the outset of 1918 Germany faced certain defeat as a result of Allied technical innovation in tanks and aircraft, and the American entry into the war. Victory could only be gained by the immediate application of overwhelming force in new tactical form; the 'fire-waltz' artillery barrage and the storm-trooper infantry attack. 1918 examines both the Germans' tactics and the Allies' preferred solution to fighting this war, the combination of artillery, tanks, infantry and aircraft, and argues that this reached a level of sophistication in command and control never before achieved. The war of attrition was far from over, but as more Americans arrived in France the ghastly cost became affordable. For the Germans, it became a question of whether they could negotiate an armistice before their armies were utterly destroyed.Index, bib, maps, p.235.non-fictionAt the outset of 1918 Germany faced certain defeat as a result of Allied technical innovation in tanks and aircraft, and the American entry into the war. Victory could only be gained by the immediate application of overwhelming force in new tactical form; the 'fire-waltz' artillery barrage and the storm-trooper infantry attack. 1918 examines both the Germans' tactics and the Allies' preferred solution to fighting this war, the combination of artillery, tanks, infantry and aircraft, and argues that this reached a level of sophistication in command and control never before achieved. The war of attrition was far from over, but as more Americans arrived in France the ghastly cost became affordable. For the Germans, it became a question of whether they could negotiate an armistice before their armies were utterly destroyed.world war 1914-1918 - history, world war 1914-1918 - campaigns - france -
Monbulk RSL Sub BranchBook, Cassell, To win a war : 1918, the year of victory, 2008
... Victory could only be gained by the immediate application of overwhelming force in new tactical form; the 'fire-waltz' artillery barrage and the storm-trooper infantry attack. 1918 examines both the Germans' tactics and the Allies' preferred solution to fighting this war, the combination of artillery, tanks, infantry and aircraft, and argues that this reached a level of sophistication in command and control never before achieved. ...At the outset of 1918 Germany faced certain defeat as a result of Allied technical innovation in tanks and aircraft, and the American entry into the war. Victory could only be gained by the immediate application of overwhelming force in new tactical form; the 'fire-waltz' artillery barrage and the storm-trooper infantry attack. 1918 examines both the Germans' tactics and the Allies' preferred solution to fighting this war, the combination of artillery, tanks, infantry and aircraft, and argues that this reached a level of sophistication in command and control never before achieved. The war of attrition was far from over, but as more Americans arrived in France the ghastly cost became affordable. For the Germans, it became a question of whether they could negotiate an armistice before their armies were utterly destroyed.Index, bib, ill, p.283.non-fictionAt the outset of 1918 Germany faced certain defeat as a result of Allied technical innovation in tanks and aircraft, and the American entry into the war. Victory could only be gained by the immediate application of overwhelming force in new tactical form; the 'fire-waltz' artillery barrage and the storm-trooper infantry attack. 1918 examines both the Germans' tactics and the Allies' preferred solution to fighting this war, the combination of artillery, tanks, infantry and aircraft, and argues that this reached a level of sophistication in command and control never before achieved. The war of attrition was far from over, but as more Americans arrived in France the ghastly cost became affordable. For the Germans, it became a question of whether they could negotiate an armistice before their armies were utterly destroyed.world war 1914-1918 - history, world war 1914-1918 - campaigns - france
