THE BATTLE OF HAMEL
In the early hours of July 4th, 1918, the most well prepared battle of the First World War began. The preparation for the Battle of Hamel was so great that all objectives were taken within ninety-three minutes of the battle starting with less than one thousand Australian casualties.
The Australian troops were led by Lieutenant-General Sir John Monash, who believed that a battle could only be won after a great deal of preparation. And so, with this preparation came some 'firsts' for the Great War.
For the first time, tanks were used to supply the front troops with food, water, ammunition and medical supplies. The tanks were also used as a creeping barrage - an artillery barrage that moves slowly in front of the advancing troops. The usage of the tanks in these ways gave the Australians a definite advantage over the enemy.
Another first was the way in which Monash used the Air Force. For weeks leading up to the battle he continually sent planes over the German lines, so that accurate maps could be drawn. During the battle the planes dropped ammunition to the forward troops and after the battle was won, the Australian's in the front line lit flares, so as new maps could be drawn to show the new Allied front. The maps were than dropped to Monash back at Headquarters.
In the nights leading up to the battle, dummy raids (fake attacks) were commenced along the German frontline. When the battle began, the German troops were expecting just another dummy raid and were not prepared for a battle.
Compared to other battles, the Battle of Hamel was not a large battle. What makes it so special is that for the first time in many months, the Allies began to think and move offensively. It is for this reason that some people believe that the Battle of Hamel was the beginning of the end of the war.
Interesting Facts
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First time Australians commanded by an Australian in the First World War - Lieutenant-General Sir John Monash |
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First time the Americans fought with the Australians |
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1,600 German troops were captured along with much enemy equipment |
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The battleplan became the blueprint for future battles |
Hamel village A view of the battlefield Charles Bean's moving words