[Heybuck]

100 years ago on 4th July, the Allied forces had a resounding victory at the battle of Le Hamel, France.

The attack was planned and commanded by Lieutenant General John Monash, commander of the Australian Corps and Australian Imperial Force and represented the first time Australian and American forces had joined together in battle. The attack on Le Hamel was resounding success although Monash was a little disappointed the victory took 93 minutes to achieve rather than the 90 minutes he had estimated.

Of significance, this attack was the first time an attack was supported by tanks (from the British force) and aircraft.

Since that battle, Australian and American forces have always stood side by side. There has not been any world conflict since Le Hamel at which our two countries have not supported each other.

Ian