the simpson prizeconception of the shambles those trenches were in”.3 the battle of pozieres...
TRANSCRIPT
A COMPETITION FOR YEAR 9 AND 10 STUDENTS
SimpsonPRIZE
THE
Charlotte Matthias
2017 WinnerSouth Australia
Loreto College
“The experience of Australian soldiers on the Western Front in 1916 has been largely
overlooked in accounts of World War One.”
To what extent would you argue that battles such as Fromelles and Pozières should
feature more prominently in accounts of World War One?
The Australian soldiers entered the bloody battlefields of the Western Front with a sense of
hope and optimism after the frustrations of the Gallipoli Campaign. Their sense of adventure
led them to a place much more dangerous than Gallipoli as Fromelles and Pozieres would be
much worse than the celebrated landing at Gallipoli.1 This is evident in casualty comparisons
between Gallipoli and the battles of Fromelles and Pozieres. The whole Gallipoli Campaign
encountered 8159 deaths, however, during the time of the two battles taking place, 36917
casualties occurred. This number, quadruple the Gallipoli figure deserves to capture the
attention of Australia.2 Wider consideration of the experiences of the Australian soldiers on the
Western Front like the ghastly conditions, personal stories of tragedy in accounts to the front-
line and loved-ones, conscription and technological advancements are essential for a more
complete view of World War One. The Western Front must also be granted greater prominence
and greater value, among the media, society and education.
The battle of Fromelles on 19th July 1916 was a bloody initiation for Australian soldiers to
warfare on the Western Front. Soldiers of the newly arrived 5th Australian Division, were
ordered to attack strongly fortified German front line positions near the French Flanders.3 The
attack was intended as a feint to hold German reserves from moving south to the Somme where
a large Allied offensive had begun. The feint was a disastrous failure.4 Australian soldiers
assaulted over open ground in broad daylight and under direct observation and heavy fire from
the German lines. 5533 Australians became casualties. 1917 of them were killed and 400 were
captured. This is the greatest loss by a single division in 24 hours and historians argue that “this
is the most tragic event in Australian History.” Lieutenant R. H. Knyvett recalls the battle:
“If you gathered the stock of a thousand butcher shops it would give you a faint
conception of the shambles those trenches were in”.3
The battle of Pozieres allied objective was to capture the village as it housed a formidable
German garrison. In the assault which lasted 13 days, the Australian Imperial Forces suffered
the most outrageous overall toll from one ongoing battle in the nation’s history.5 Here, 6741
Australians were killed, as apart of the 23000 casualties over the seven weeks of associated
skirmishes. Bean reflected:
"The Pozieres ridge was more densely sown with Australian sacrifice than any other
place on Earth."6
The conditions and trench-life of the soldiers’ brought much destruction. Upon suffering
wounds, many felt relief. It destined security, a hospital bed, clean clothes and appealing food;
luxuries that were lacking in the harsh trenches of the Western Front.7 Due to the lack of
hygiene, many were struck down by typhoid and “rashes that come and go”. Rats were infested
throughout the tunnels; most men were on the brink of mental instability as Private George
Mitchell penned:
“Great, sleek, corpse-fed rats ran in squads between our legs and over our feet as we
stood. Their obscene squeaking could be heard at all times.”8
Due to the harshness of conditions on the Western Front, troops not only had to fight the
Germans, but had to do so while fighting the environment for survival. The impact of the
mass land destruction at Fromelles and Pozieres reflects the true tragedy of these battles and
why the Australian’s ordeals demand attention for their sheer persistence in grappling with
such conditions.7 The concentrated German artillery bombardments in July and August 1916
completely razed the village, and, when the battle had passed, Pozieres became merely a
name. “…a noticeboard marked “Pozieres” was the only trace that a village had ever been
there.”2
The stories of Edward “Jack” Curtis and Alice Ross-King, reflect the personal impact death
had on the frontline and on their loved-ones. An aspect deserving more prominence. Curtis a
20-year-old soldier was another of the 6741 killed in action during the battle of Pozieres. His
last diary entry read:
“Still on fatigue, no sleep. The great horror of many of us is the fear of being lost with
troops at night on the battlefield.”1
On the 2nd August 1916, a comrade reported, “the blast from a high explosive shell” while he
and other troops were digging to approach German trenches for a surprise attack. Bean added,
“Germans mistook them for troops assembling for an attack. The area was furiously shelled”.9
Lieutenant Wally Jones who had possession of the diary under Curtis’ request for safe keeping
wrote in hopes to give to his mother:
“Poor Jack, killed on the 2nd August 1916. He died an Australian and a hero… your
brave son won the admiration and love of all who saw him on the firing line.”1
Ross-King was among 3,000 Australian civilian nurses who volunteered for active service
during the First World War. This role provided hope of being closer to loved ones serving
overseas10 which is the reason for her enlistment.11 Her and fiancé Lieutenant Harry Moffat
met in Egypt and in her dairy she wrote:
“In that time a wonderful thing has happened. I am really and truly in love. I am very
very happy because I believe Moffat loves me just as much.”12
On the 19th July Harry had been killed. According to Sargent Patrick Lonergan who witnessed
the attack described it as, “Two machinegun bullets struck him down.” Learning of Moffat’s
death, Alice wrote simply:
“Well, my world has ended. Harry is dead.”2
The unknown lingered as his resting place was unidentified and unfortunately still is to this
day. Alice was one of many loved-ones forced to carry the burden of the unknown. She
reflected:
“I cannot really believe the news yet and each day I long for a letter telling me he is
only wounded.”12
In Jack’s case, it brought out acts of mateship and determination, which stem from the ANZAC
spirit.1 Although this spirit started at the Gallipoli landing but evolved to recognise a wider
range of experiences reflecting a more diverse Australian role during the First World War,
which is why the Western Front is an attention-worthy aspect of the Great War.13
In 1916, Australia displayed a dramatic loss in enlistment numbers due the casualty rates
continuing to increase. Therefore, Australia was no longer able to exceed Britain’s expectations
for growing enlistment. Hence, conscription was occupying topics of debate at a government
and societal level.14 Labor Prime Minister William Hughes was a strong advocate for the idea,
therefore was keen to share his viewpoint with Australia. Conscriptionists chided the anti-
conscriptionists with gross inconsistency: “How can they be opposed to conscription for
military service?” Anti-conscriptionists depicted their battle for freedom as the latest in a long
life of struggle against tyranny.15
One political activist group were particularly prominent in accounts to their disapproval of
conscription. The Industrial Workers of the World’s (I.W.W) main objective was to destroy
the ideas of capitalism, where conscription had stemmed from.16 One memorable event was
where twelve men caused great damage to Sydney and were charged with arson. They were
believed to be under the influence of the I.W.W. One was alleged to have said:
“Far better to see Sydney melted to the ground then to see the men of Sydney taken
away to be butchered at war.”17
Therefore, prominence in regards to the Western Front is important to ensure there is never
again the euphoria of war which ultimately led to a divided Australia. This glorified war was
exhibited in 1914 at the outbreak and also conveyed in other forms of propaganda and
censorship run by the government.18 Soldiers were aware of censorship as Lieutenant John
Raws writes:
"My tunic is rotten with other men's blood, and partly splattered with a comrade's
brains. It is horrible, but why should you people at home not know?"19
The First World War accelerated the development of new technologies designed to improve
the ability to kill the enemy. This is especially evident on the Western Front and for the first
time in warfare; technology was beginning to change war from armed conflict to scientific
killing with unprecedented causalities.20 Chemicals were becoming weapons of war and “gave
humanity a new weapon of mass destruction.” Gas began to demanded the attention of the
Allies due to the horrors associated with it as Private Arthur Empey recalled:
“We had a new man at the periscope, he called out to me: 'There's a sort of greenish,
yellow cloud rolling along the ground out in front, it's coming…’”21
This new method of attack prominent on the Western Front changed warfare forever; therefore,
the technological advancements that took place here, especially throughout the battles of
Pozieres and Fromelles demands consideration to comprehend the development of war and
their devastating effects.20
The tolerant nature of the veterans upon homecoming is also worth commemorating. This was
a generation which returned to the workforce and suffered largely in silence.22 Men were
considered pathetic if they appeared to be distressed reflecting on the horrors they encountered.
Repatriation processes were very basic so due to the harshness of their condition, their
afflictions demand consideration for their absolute suffering in dealing with such conditions.23
The Western Front should be given equal prominence, not to glorify the monstrosities that took
place; but to commemorate and learn from them so the 369173 casualties during this short
period of time does not repeat.18 Eric Bogle wrote about the Australian soldiers on the Western
Front in his song ‘No Man’s Land’, the lyrics read: “Here in this graveyard there’s still No
Man’s Land. The countless white crosses in mute witness stand, to man’s blind indifference to
his fellow man. And a whole generation who were butchered and damned.”24 The Australian
Forces fought hard here, amongst the harsh conditions7 and mental hardship22. The personal
stories of tragedy reveal different layers of history, stories within stories.12 Back in Australia,
conscription was a strong topic of debate due to the ignorance of society14 in conjunction with
censorship.18 The qualities they all possessed reminded Australians that they were genuine
representations of the true ANZAC spirit. The contribution of every Australian soldier on the
Western Front assisted in establishing a fierce national character, which many Australians
today, feel proud to be associated with.13 The voices of the soldiers were not intended to be
loud, but they deserve to be heard.
Reference List:
1. King, Jonathan. Western Front Diaries. 2nd ed. Pymble, N.S.W.: Simon and Schuster
Australia, 2010. Print.
2. "Simpson Prize 2017 | Australian War Memorial". Australian War Memorial. N.p.,
2016. Web. 5 Oct. 2016. https://www.awm.gov.au/education/simpson-prize/
3. "Battle Of Fromelles | Australian War Memorial". Awm.gov.au. N.p., 2016. Web. 6
Oct. 2016. https://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/fromelles/
4. "The Battles Of Fromelles And Pozières - Story Of The Days". ABC. N.p., 2016.
Web. 8 Oct. 2016. http://www.abc.net.au/fromelles-pozieres/story-of-the-days/
5. "Australian War Memorial | Battle Of Pozieres". Australian War Memorial. N.p.,
2016. Web. 9 Oct. 2016. https://www.awm.gov.au/military-event/E72/
6. "Australians At The Battle Of Pozieres WW1". ANZAC DAY - Lest We Forget. N.p.,
2016. Web. 9 Oct. 2016. http://www.pozieres-battle-somme.anzac-day.net/
7. "Life In The Trenches | Australian War Memorial". Australian War Memorial. N.p.,
2016. Web. 10 Oct. 2016. https://www.awm.gov.au/exhibitions/anzac-voices/life-
trenches/
8. "Life In The Trenches | Ergo". Ergo. N.p., 2016. Web. 10 Oct. 2016.
http://ergo.slv.vic.gov.au/explore-history/australia-wwi/abroad-wwi/life-trenches
9. "Private Edward Jack Curtis. Okewood Hill Soldier. WW1". Dorking Museum &
Heritage Centre. N.p., 2016. Web. 12 Oct. 2016.
http://www.dorkingmuseum.org.uk/private-edward-jack-curtis/
10. "Great War Nurses | Australian War Memorial". Australian War Memorial. N.p.,
2016. Web. 10 Oct. 2016. https://www.awm.gov.au/exhibitions/nurses/ww1/
11. "Major Alice Ross-King | Australian War Memorial". Australian War Memorial. N.p.,
2016. Web. 20 Oct. 2016. https://www.awm.gov.au/people/P10676633/
12. "Stories Of The Dead | Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery | VC Corner,
Fromelles | Australians On The Western Front 1914-1918". Australians on the
Western Front 1914-1918. N.p., 2016. Web. 10 Oct. 2016.
http://www.ww1westernfront.gov.au/fromelles/pheasant-wood/stories-of-the-
dead.php
13. C.E.W. Bean, 'The AIF in France', Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-
18, vol III, Angus & Robertson, Sydney, 1935, p 599
14. Wales, State. "Recruitment And Conscription - World War I And Australia - Research
Guides At State Library Of New South Wales". Guides. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Oct.
2016. http://guides.sl.nsw.gov.au/content.php?pid=489033&sid=4348340
15. Hirst, John. Sense And Nonsense In Australian History. Melbourne: Black Inc., 2009.
Print.
16. "Industrial Workers Of The World (IWW)". Wikipedia. N.p., 2016. Web. 17 Oct.
2016. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_Workers_of_the_World
17. Willis, Ray et al. Issues In Australian History. Melbourne: Longman Cheshire, 1982.
Print.
18. "War: Censorship And Propaganda - Entry - Emelbourne - The Encyclopedia Of
Melbourne Online". Melbourne. N.p., 2016. Web. 22 Oct. 2016.
http://www.emelbourne.net.au/biogs/EM01578b.htm
19. "The Battles Of Fromelles And Pozieres: 100 Years On". ABC News. N.p., 2016.
Web. 30 Oct. 2016. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-19/the-battles-of-fromelles-
and-pozieres-100-years-on/7627170
20. "12 Technological Advancements Of World War I". Mental Floss. N.p., 2016. Web.
27 Oct. 2016. http://mentalfloss.com/article/31882/12-technological-advancements-
world-war-i
21. "Gas Attack, 1916". Eye Witness History. N.p., 2016. Web. 29 Oct. 2016.
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/gas.htm
22. "World War I". History of PTSD. N.p., 2016. Web. 30 Oct. 2016.
https://historyofptsd.wordpress.com/world-war-i/
23. "The History Of Forgetting, From Shell Shock To PTSD". Radio National. N.p.,
2016. Web. 6 Nov. 2016.
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/hindsight/the-history-of-
forgetting/5744242
24. "No Man's Land | Eric Bogle". N.p., 2016. Web. 9 Nov. 2016.
http://www.ericbogle.net/lyrics/lyricspdf/nomansland.pdf
Bibliography:
1. C.E.W. Bean, 'The AIF in France', Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-
18, vol III, Angus & Robertson, Sydney, 1935, p 599
2. Hirst, John. Sense And Nonsense In Australian History. Melbourne: Black Inc., 2009.
Print.
3. Journal Crotty, M., “Teaching Anzac: Fraught Territory, Teachable Moments and
Professional Responsibility” Agora, 2009, Number 2, Volume 44. PP. 13-17. Editor,
Purnell, I., HTAV, Melbourne, Victoria. Newspaper
4. King, Jonathan. Western Front Diaries. 2nd ed. Pymble, N.S.W.: Simon and Schuster
Australia, 2010. Print.
5. McLachlan, M., “Walking with the ANZACS.” Hachette Australia, Sydney. 2007.
“The Oxford Companion to Australian Military History.”
6. Oxford University Press., South Melbourne., Second edition 2008. Travers, R.,
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Print.