Battle of Le Hamel – 1918



When:

July 4, 1918

Where:

Le Hamel, France– Western Front

Who:

Allied Powers – British Empire – Australian Imperial Force
Associated Powers – USA
Central Powers – German Empire

Summary:

The battle and capture of Le Hamel was planned by Lieutenant General Sir John Monash, who had taken over as commander of  the Australian Imperial Force in 1918. Following the German offensive near Amiens, the Australian forces had adopted the policy of “peaceful penetration.” They planned and executed small-scale offensives and frustrated the German troops with modest victories. While the Allied forces planned a major offensive near Villers-Bretonneux, Sir Monash planned an attack on the salient near the French village of Le Hamel. The American forces training with the Australians were chosen to participate in the action.

The Battle of Le Hamel came to be known for the intricate and thorough planning of Sir Monash. He employed artillery, lighter and swifter tanks, and machine guns to support his troops. The attack was thoroughly planned and launched on July 4, 1918. In about an hour and a half. 2,000 German soldiers were killed in action and a further 1,600 captured by the Australian and American forces.

The Battle of Le Hamel highlighted the success of the newer tanks that were designed to move swiftly. Tanks carrying supplies were also employed in the offensive.

Outcome:

The Battle of Le Hamel cost the Australian troops 1,400 of their men and the Americans 176 soldiers. The offensive was a resounding success and set the stage for future battles on the front.

Major Battles of World War I

Battle of Mons – 1914 Battle of Le Hamel – 1918
Battle of Tannenberg – 1914 Battles of Gaza – 1917
Battle of Heligoland Bight – 1914 Second Battle of Aisne – 1917
First Battle of Marne – 1914 Second Battle of Arras – 1917
First Battle of the Masurian Lakes – 1914 Battle of Messines – 1917
First Battle of Aisne – 1914 Battle of Passchendaele – 1917
First Battle of Albert – 1914 Battle of Caporetto – 1917
First Battle of Arras – 1914 Battle of Cambrai – 1917
First Battle of Ypres – 1914 German Spring Offensive – 1918
Gallipoli Campaign – 1915 Hundred Days Offensive – 1918
Second Battle of the Masurian Lakes – 1915 Battle of Le Hamel – 1918
Battles of Isonzo – 1915 Second Battle of Somme – 1918
Loos-Artois Offensive – 1915 Second Battle of Marne – 1918
Battle of Verdun – 1916 Battle of St Mihiel – 1918
Battle of Le Hamel – 1918
First Battle of Somme – 1916 Battle of Vittori Veneto – 1918

 

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