He integrated intelligence, reconnaissance and thorough briefings to ensure all units understood their roles. Monash meticulously planned the battle using innovative tactics and techniques.
The men successfully captured the new German front line east of Ville-sur-Ancre. In just 93 minutes, the Australians had taken all their objectives, advancing the Allies 2 km along a 6 km front.Īt the same time as the attack on Le Hamel, the 15th Australian Infantry Brigade launched a 'feint' or diversionary attack. They were facing around 5,000 German troops. In terms of firepower, there were 8,000 Allied personnel with 550 guns, 60 tanks and 85 aircraft in support. It was the first time US soldiers had served in combat under a foreign commander.Įlements of the 7th Australian Infantry Brigade – the 25th Battalion and a company from the 27th Battalion – also supported the 6th Brigade's sector. 60 British Army tanks of the 5th Tank Brigade.Įach US platoon was attached to an Australian company.1,000 infantrymen from the US Army 131st and 132nd Infantry Regiments.As a result, the Australian armed forces played a crucial role in the battle, contributing to the attack's success and achieving the objectives set by the Allies. He wanted to show the effectiveness of combined arms tactics and coordination between infantry, artillery, tanks and air support. The operation was planned and executed under the leadership of Lieutenant General John Monash. Moreover, to the Allies, taking the ridge would help their advance further east, along both banks of the Somme. They knew the Germans needed to occupy the ridge at Le Hamel if they planned to capture Amiens, about 20 km west. The Allies aimed to take the high ground east of the village of Le Hamel, south of the River Somme.
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