WW1 - western front Flashcards
(5 cards)
Key battles (Only three) Battle of the Somme
Technically multiple battles
British and French involvement, as they wanted the land past a town named Bapaume. They started in Albert and made their way across into Belgium/German country. 60,000 casualties on the first day, so the AUS soldiers were called to help a few days later. They did not gain much land.
Not specific - end of 1915
Battle of Fromelles
19th july 1916
Happened when the AUS soldiers went to help after Battle of the Somme. Was very bloody and many australian soldiers died. Barely any land gained as it was so poorly planned and the Germans saw it coming.
Battle of Ypres (the first)
19th october 1914 - early November 1914
AUS soldiers needed rest, and they thought they could because the USA was now getting involved. However, German troops found them near the Front and hit them hard. The AUS soldiers managed to hold the lines however.
Australia’s involvement
Needed men after alliances became permanent around Europe. they were also sent to India and Canada, etc…(British colonies). Yet they only contributed out of volunteering work, as it was the start of the war mostly, and they were not aware of the consequences to joining.
Why is the western front so important?
Trench warfare
AUS involvement
Stalemate success
Not a straight line but rather a continuous fight for more land between the sectors
Belgium was on the coast
Britain on the north towards Amiens
AUS fought mostly with British
