One hundred years ago today, five infantry brigades from the Australian Imperial Force, augmented by 10 companies from American Expeditionary Force and supported by British tanks successfully attacked and defeated entrenched German positions in and around the town of Le Hamel, in northern France, during World War I.
The attack was planned and commanded by Lieutenant General John Monash, commander of the Australian Corps who employed a "combined arms" approach, with tanks assigned to support the attack, along with large numbers of aircraft and artillery. Monash was an engineer by profession before becoming a military officer and was known for his meticulous planning. In planning the Battle of Hamel he had planned for the battle to last 90 minutes. The Allies won the battle in 93 minutes. Troops later recounted that one of the most extraordinary things about the Battle of Hamel was not the use of armoured tanks, nor the tremendous success of the operation, but the fact that in the midst of battle Monash had arranged delivery of hot meals up to the front line.
"I hate the business of war and soldiering with a loathing that I cannot describe. The awful horror. The death and destruction. My only consolation has been I'm doing my duty for my country." - John Monash
So next time you are playing a game of Battletech and you or your opponent uses a combined arms force, you have Monash to thank.
Lest we forget.