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Soldiers’ Tribute: Army Avenue Honouring the Australian Diggers of World War 1
The Australian Army played a significant role in World War I, and Australian soldiers, commonly referred to as “diggers,” served on various fronts during the conflict. Army Avenue named for the Australian Army was the largest service in the Australian military during World War I.
The First Australian Imperial Force (AIF) was the Army’s main expeditionary force and was formed on 15 August 1914 with an initial strength of 20,000 men, following Britain’s declaration of war on Germany.
Australian soldiers marching along a road in France. This is a good example of the type of photograph that was often used as propaganda by the Government. Happy, smiling soldiers were a comfort to those at home. Source: Official British Photographs Wikipedia Commons.
Cheshire Regiment trench warfare in the Somme 1917. Source: Wikipedia Commons Public Domain.
Western Front
Australian forces were later transferred to the Western Front in Europe, where they participated in major battles. Notable engagements included the Battle of the Somme, where they faced gruelling conditions and heavy casualties, the Battle of Pozieres, where their tenacity in capturing key objectives earned admiration, and the Battle of Bullecourt, where their courage in the face of fierce German resistance showcased their unwavering resolve. The Australians earned a reputation for their resilience and bravery on the Western Front.
The Battle of Beersheba Memorial, Hay, NSW. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Palestine and the Middle East
Australian Light Horse regiments played a key role in the Middle East campaigns, including the capture of Beersheba and Jerusalem in 1917. General Sir Harry Chauvel led the Desert Mounted Corps, which included Australian, New Zealand, and British forces.
A photograph allegedly showing the charge of the 4th and 12th Regiments of the Australian 4th Light Horse Brigade at Beersheba, Palestine, 31 October 1917. The photograph has been claimed to have been taken by Trooper E.G. Elliot of the brigade’s 4th Machine Gun Squadron who was in an advanced position performing range-finding duties and was unaware that the charge was planned but fortunately had a small camera with him. Source: Wikipedia Commons
Battle of Beersheba (1917)
The Battle of Beersheba on 31 October 1917, is renowned for the Australian Light Horse’s daring cavalry charge, which resulted in the capture of the strategic town and played a crucial role in breaking the Ottoman line, thereby opening the way for further advances by Allied forces in the Middle East.
94th Heavy Artillery Unit, pivotal in shelling Turkish positions during the capture of Jerusalem, 1917. Source Wikipedia Commons Public Domain.
Battle of Jerusalem (1917)
The capture of Jerusalem by Allied forces in December 1917 marked another significant achievement in the Middle East campaigns, with Australian Light Horse regiments contributing vital support alongside other Allied units, although their role was less prominent than in the Battle of Beersheba.
General Chauvel riding at the head of the Desert Mounted Corps during the official entry of the Allied forces into Damascus. Source Wikipedia Commons Public Domain.
Capture of Damascus (1918)
The capture of Damascus in September 1918 marked the culmination of the Allied campaign in the Middle East, with Australian Light Horse regiments participating in the advance alongside other Allied forces and hastening the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.
These battles, among others, were crucial in shaping the outcome of the war in the Middle East and contributed to the eventual defeat of the Ottoman Empire.
War in the Pacific
During World War I, German colonies in the Pacific, including German New Guinea and Samoa, served as strategic assets for the German Empire. Australian and New Zealand forces launched campaigns to seize control of these territories, disrupting German naval operations and securing vital trade routes. The capture of German colonies in the Pacific by Allied forces contributed to the eventual defeat of Germany in the war and reshaped the colonial landscape of the region.
Troops of the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force marching near Circular Quay, Sydney (16 January 1915). Source Wikipedia Commons Public Domain
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Casualties and Sacrifices
The toll of World War I on the Australian Army was profound, shaping the nation’s identity beyond numbers. Families shattered, communities reeled, and the economy strained under the weight of rebuilding shattered lives and infrastructure. Returning soldiers bore physical and psychological wounds, altering lives and families. Yet, amidst devastation, a resilient legacy emerged, communities honouring sacrifices.
The Watherston Brothers epitomise the profound toll of World War I on families. Four siblings—Cyril, Edward, Frank, and James—selflessly answered Australia’s call to arms, yet tragically, none returned home. Unearthed by author Lee Clayton, their story stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless families during this tumultuous period.
Australian “Diggers” World War 1.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Post-War Legacy
The experiences of Australian soldiers in World War I had a lasting impact on the nation’s identity and consciousness. The Anzac legend, commemorated annually on Anzac Day, reflects the values of courage, mateship, and sacrifice associated with Australian troops during the war. This legacy continues to reverberate through the annals of Australian history, influencing the nation’s perspectives on military service, remembrance, and the enduring costs of war.
The Australian Army’s contributions in World War I are remembered as a crucial part of the nation’s military history, and the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers continue to be honoured and commemorated today. According to the First World War page on the Australian War Memorial website from a population of fewer than five million, 416,809 men enlisted, of which over 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner.
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