 The
great German offensive of March 1918 was halted near Amiens and by
august the allies has forced the Germans back to a major defence line on
the east bank of the Somme river.
This hill, Mont St. Quentin, although only 100 metres high was a key
position in this line and with a maze of interconnecting trenches and
barbed wire was considered impregnable. It provided imposing westerly
views over the allied lines across the Somme River and was protected by
Peronne 1.5 kilometres to the south.
A small force of 1,300 Australian troops "yelling like
bushrangers" attacked up the rise before you at dawn on 31 august
and completely overran the Germans. The summit was held briefly in the
region of today's road (n37) but the Germans with numbers forced the
Australians back.
Early next morning Australian reinforcements renewed the assault
capturing the summit and beyond. At the same time Peronne was captured
by the Australians. The loss of these positions and defeats by the
British and Canadians near Cambrai forced the Germans to rapidly
withdraw along much of their front. Their last and most formidable
defence position, lay 22 kilometres to the east the Hindenburg line.
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