Monash and the ANZACs

In May 1918, the Australian New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) were finally under the control of one of their own people, Sir John Monash. Now that he was commander, he saw that too many of his men were being killed and that previous commanders did not do enough to protect the ANZACs. Sir John Monash was determined to not only protect the men who fought for their country, but also ensure that they did not die in vain.

His first battle with the ANZACs was at a place called le Hamel. Monash used weapons of mass destruction like tanks and aircraft to soften the enemy defences before he sent the ANZACs in. Before the real attack, he had rehearsed with the soldiers for hours and once it was time for the men to go to war, after the first hour, 1500 prisoners had been captured, 2000 German soldiers had been killed and they had gathered approximately 180 machine guns. Even though the attack at le Hamel was very successful, many would say that his best attack was at Mont St Quentin. The opponent, decided that it was foolish to attack the hill, but ordered many of his best trained units to ‘hold to the death’. Since many of his men had died and have not yet been replaced, Sir John Monash took this opportunity and planned an attack where the ANZACS would attack the hill from all three directions. His plan was so successful that he had taken over the hill in just two days.

Information: http://www.anzacday.org.au/history/ww1/overview/west.html
Picture: http://www.handofgod.com.au/page331.php

Monash and Billy Hughes - Video Analysis

If the video does not work, watch it here:

http://dl.nfsa.gov.au/module/1575/

Monash and Billy Hughes is an excerpt from the documentary Monash - The Forgotten Anzac. The film explores the character and achievements of Sir John Monash, whose courage helped win battles to create the Anzac legend in Australian history.

Monash commanded troops during many battles throughout World War 1, gaining a knighthood for his victories in France and Belgium. During the battle at Gallipoli in Turkey, the ANZACS forces under British command were defeated. Monash and most of the Australian soldiers were sent to the western front in France after withdrawing from Turkey, where they played a crucial role in defeating Germany.

The excerpt shows Monash's determination towards his position as commander and highlights one of his greatest achievements in battle. In the morning of July 4th 1918, Monash commanded 2,000 American soldiers along with his own troops in the Battle of Hamel. The battle went so smoothly that the Germans were defeated within 93 minutes. It was the perfection of teamwork.

Sir John Monash's War Experience

1907- Today I took command of Victorian Section of newly formed Intelligence Corps. It was my first day with the soldiers. Once I walked into the room I was welcomed with cheers of excitement and enthusiasm. They flocked to my awesomeness like I was their God, it felt epic! The young souls didn't dare question my orders and got along with their work. As soon as I walked through the doors of my house I was greeted by my wife and ate my favourite porridge she made me. It tastes vile, women....seriously.

1914- The first of my wars have been declared today, I have also been appointed commander of the AIF’s 4^th Infantry Brigade to bring my men to victory. It is a difficult job and many men cannot handle the hot, dry conditions here in Egypt.

1918 – I am quickly moving up the ranks, I started off as a lowly colonel and now I am the corps commander of the Australian forces. I have led my forces through fierce fighting in the great German push with my brilliant idea of bombarding German lines with gas attacks. They seem to be confused and disadvantaged. They still do not see that their bulky masks will not save them from our gas attacks for they decrease visibility and slow them down. They are quickly decreasing in number and we are moving forward on the offense. My leaders have struck an armistice or a cessation of hostilities as a prelude to peace negotiations with the Germans, we could have been victorious but I guess being allied with the Germans might come in handy in the future.

The Life of Sir John Monash

Sir John Monash was a famous Australian soldier, scholar and engineer. He was born in Melbourne on 27 June 1865 to German-Polish Jewish parents. After becoming the dux of Scotch College, he entered University at the age of 16, enrolled in arts and engineering. Due to financial difficulties, he stopped his studies after two years to work on the Princess Bridge.

In the year 1884, John Monash joined the newly formed University Company, D Company, 4^th Battalion, and Victorian Rifles at the age of 19. He was quick to gain ranks and by 1913 he was a soldier with knowledge of staff work, transport, supply, engineering and intelligence.

In 1914, a year after he joined several companies, the First World War broke out. He and his troops were some of the first in the front lines and under fire at Gallipoli. In the end he was the only Australian brigade commander among his troop that evacuated.

By 1918, John Monash had rose in ranks to lieutenant general andwas given command of the entire Australian Corps. King George V also knighted him on the battlefield for what he did as role of commander in the Battle of Hamel Hill.  For the last months of the war Monash remained in command through the battles. He was victorious in many and earned high praise from leading political and military figures for being an innovative leader.

John Monash had great successes in the military. After war, he arrived back in Melbourne on 26 December 1919 and returned to business. Monash became a spokesperson for returned soldiers and began leading the annual Anzac Day march, also holding a range of high level positions.

On 8 October 1913 in Melbourne, Sir John Monash passed away from a heart disease, the age of 66.

Information:

http://www.awm.gov.au/people/8442.asp
http://monash.edu/about/history/sir-john-monash.html
Picture: 
http://monash.edu/about/history/sir-john-monash.html

The Start of the Great War

On June 28 1914 Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, who were the heir to the throne in Austria-Hungary, were assassinated by a member of the Black Hand, Garvrilo Princip. The country's reaction was to stamp its authority upon the Serbian government by issuing an ultimatum which demanded that the assassins be brought to justice. 

Russia announced mobilisation of an army to defend Serbia. Germany was allied to Austria-Hungary and thought the mobilisation was an act of war against the country. France was bound to Russia by a treaty and soon found itself war against Germany. As a result Germany invaded Belgium who was neutral so that they could reach Paris as quickly as possible. Britain was loosely allied to France by a treaty which placed a moral obligation upon her to defend France.

Britain then declared war against Germany but since Germany invaded Belgium, Britain decided to defend Belgium. Britain was also at war with Austria-Hungary while defending Belgium against Germany. Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand and Union of South Africa provided military assistance for Britain.

Japan had an agreement with Britain and declared war on Germany on 23 August 1914. Austria-Hungary seeing that Japan was dealing with Germany decided to invade Japan. Although Italy was allied to Germany and Austria-Hungary, the country avoided entering the war, only to defend both countries in 'defensive' war.

Information:
http://www.awm.gov.au/atwar/ww1.asp
http://www.firstworldwar.com/origins/causes.htm
Pictures:
http://homepage.mac.com/oldtownman/ww1/1901.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archduke_Franz_Ferdinand_of_Austria