Australians on the Western Front 1918 Volume II

SOMBRE TRIUMPH This volume traces the Australian presence on the Western Front from Sir John Monash's genius at the Battle of Hamel to the end of World War I. It is only five months from that victory to the Armistice but these were vital days in crushing Germany's military might. The arrival of the US army was vital, but there was a significant collapse in German morale, especially after the Allies' Amiens offensive that ushered in what is known as the "100 Days" that led to the Allies' victory. Cameron takes us through important battles essential to the cause - Chipilly, Lihons, Montbrehain and the more well-known Mont Saint-Quentin. He gives insights into the impact of the fall of Germany's key defence, the Hindenburg line, and how it was not the concrete fortress many Australians had imagined, but something more strategic, built into the landscape.

NICK RICHARDSON, Herald Sun

Cameron recounts the military successes and challenges of the Australian Corps, during which many troops tragically lost their lives just as the war was finally drawing to a close. Ultimately, however, the breaking of the Hindenburg Line by Australian, Canadian, British and American troops delivered a crucial blow to the German army, who entered into an armistice with the Allies one month later. This book bears witness to the sacrifice and victories of the Australian Corps, which acted as ‘shock troops’ for the British Expeditionary Force despite their ongoing casualties and dwindling reinforcements.

Marcus Fielding, Military History and Heritage Inc