FALLEN GERMAN MEDIC NEAR "PEAR TRENCH" DURING THE BATTLE OF HAMEL.
Today 105 years ago, on July 4, 1918, the Battle of Hamel was fought between Australian, U.S. and German forces.
.
In March and April 1918, the Germans launched their Spring Offensive on the Somme river, achieving major advances. By July 1918, the German offensives elsewhere along the front were running out of steam and their morale was low, therefore the Allies planned to go on the counter-offensive.
.
In the German Spring Offensive, the Australians were attacked at the village of Villers-Bretonneux, where they halted the German advance in April 1918.
.
A small-scale attack on the village of Le Hamel near Villers-Bretonneux was planned, where a small salient in the Allied lines had been formed. The attack would be carried out by the Australian Corps. The battle was planned by Australian Corps Commander Monash, who did it meticulously.
.
There would be a big emphasis on infantry-artillery-airplane-tank coordination, communication between units, and the creeping barrage would be precise and thorough.
.
Although Monash laid the battle plan and did it very well, it must be noted he himself did not invent these tactics, and that they'd all been deployed in battle beforehand.
.
The attack would be carried out on July 4, 1918 primarily by the Australian 4th Division together with units from other Australian Divisions as reinforcements, totalling 7,500 troops. The Australians would have 628 artillery guns and 64 new British Mark V tanks. They were up against 5,600 German troops holding Le Hamel. A diversionary attack would also be carried out further north at Ville-sur-Ancre.
.
The Australians were also promised 10 American Companies for support and in order for those to get much-needed experience, but 6 of these Companies were withdrawn in the last minute, much to the outrage of Monash.
.
At 3:10 AM on July 4, 1918, the Australians and Americans attacked along a 6 km front at Le Hamel, supported by 62 tanks and a creeping barrage.
LEAVE YOUR COMMENT BELOW⬇️
Read more on our Rare History Channel
Comments
Post a Comment