Features
Hamel, the 93 minutes said to change everything. This victory on the Western Front was the result of combined-arms tactics and detailed planning on the part of Australian General, John Monash. But, how far can victory be credited to this capable ‘forgotten ANZAC’?
THE ‘OUTSIDER’ WHO WON THE WAR?
Lieutenant General Sir John Monash, Commander of the Australian Corps in 1918. (COURTESY OF THE AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL, HEREAFTER AWM)
Sir John Monash is probably the best known and celebrated Australian figure of the Great War. He commanded the 4th Infantry Brigade at Gallipoli, the 3rd Australian Division in Flanders in 1917, and the Australian Corps just as the tide of the fighting in France turned in the Allies’ favour. He was a meticulous planner, charismatic leader and led the Australians during their most significant victories in 1918.
