Eastern Adelaide Teacher resource.pdf - Army Museum of South ...

captured by Australians were returned to Australia. In his argument to obtain release
of the war trophies by British authorities, Hughes pointed out the relatively short
history of Australia and the need to establish our own cultural legacy. He contrasted
this with the long history of Britain, which already had many spoils of past victories
on public display. Whilst some of these trophies were given to what has become the
Australian War Memorial in Canberra, the great majority were allocated to cities and
towns throughout Australia in recognition of their local soldiers’ contributions
towards the war effort. They served as a visible and continuing reminder of the role
Australians played in the Great War. These trophies can still be seen on display in
parks and gardens throughout Australia. A number have been fully restored in recent
years as local councils and community groups seek to preserve these important links
with the past.
(4) The best known and largest war trophy captured by Australians during
World War I was the so called Amiens Gun which is currently on display at
the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Briefly summarise the history of the capture of this gun and comment on
the role played by Australian soldiers between August and October 1918.
The capture of the Amiens Gun by Australian and British soldiers was a significant
achievement. During the summer of 1918, it had been used by the Germans to fire on
the city of Amiens, about 25 kilometres away. Attempts had been made by the Allies
to destroy this powerful weapon, but to no avail. During the August 8 advance, the
train, on which the gun was mounted, was attacked by a British aircraft, causing the
German soldiers on board to evacuate. Although RAF aircraft and British cavalry
were the first to engage the gun, the advancing Australian infantry quickly claimed it.
The capture of the Amiens Gun was one of many significant achievements of
Australian troops in France between March and October 1918. As the trench warfare
of World War I moved to semi open warfare following the slowing of the German
Spring Offensive of March 1918, Australian troops displayed unique personal and
fighting qualities which saw them play a vital role in this decisive phase of the war.
After assisting in the defence of Amiens in August 1918, Australian troops were
successful in breaking through sections of the Hindenburg Line which was the last
and strongest of the German Army's defences and consisted of three well-defended
trench systems. It has been argued that this feat remains Australia’s most significant
single contribution to the course of world history.
Teachers note: Throughout September 1918, Australian forces had helped the British
army to secure positions from which an attack on the Hindenburg Line could be
launched. On 18 September 1918, a preliminary attack was launched when Australian
troops reached the first part of the Hindenburg Line. On 29 September, the line was
finally broken. Australian and United States troops spearheaded this battle. The
fighting lasted four days and resulted in heavy losses on both sides. Eventually, the
Allies broke through the third and final stage of the Hindenburg Line, and the
Germans were forced to fall back. An attack on 5 October was to be the last in which
Australian troops would take part. Australians took the Montbrehain village, and with
that success, the Hindenburg Line was completely broken. The defence of this sector
was then handed over to the Americans, while the Australians, exhausted and depleted
by heavy casualties, were withdrawn for a rest. Following this action, Germany
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