On 19 July 1916, across these peaceful fields,
6,400 Australian and 3,400 British soldiers advanced southward along a
3,700-metre front towards the village of Fromelles. The action was
intended to draw German reserves away from the battle of the Somme,
raging since 1 July, 61 kilometres to the south, and to capture the
strategically important Aubers ridge, on which Fromelles stands, for the
Australians, this was the first major battle on the western front. It
was also to be the most disastrous.
The ground from VC corner Australian cemetery (built after the
armistice) to east beyond this plaque was the main area crossed by the
Australians in their assault. The German lines were on the opposite side
of today's road and separated from the allies by between 100 and 450
metres of open countryside. The British attack (west of the cemetery)
made no gains, but the Australians took the German trenches. These
positions could not be held, however, for the Australians were
outnumbered and outgunned. At dawn on 20 July, therefore, the surviving
Australians ran the gauntlet back to their lines. Behind them they left
the bodies of 1,299 comrades, many of whom were not buried until after
the war.
In this brief action, the British suffered 1,547 casualties, the
Australians a devastating 5,533. Moreover, it was the only time in
France during the war that the Australians failed to achieve their
military objective. Their confidence in the British high command was
also undermined. Meanwhile, Auber's ridge remained securely in German
hands until October 1918.
Today, the distant spires of the churches of Fromelles and Aubers stand
guard over this land, now so much a part of Australia's military
history.
|
