0808 Committee 101st Commemoration of the Battle of Amiens
On 8 August 1918 the Allied forces secured an extraordinary victory in the Battle of Amiens. The strategy and planning for the battle was conceived and designed by Sir John Monash and subsequently adopted by the British High Command. The battle was the first in a sequence which forced the Germans onto the backfoot from which they were not able to recover. In recognition of the success Monash was knighted for his efforts.
After the war Monash returned to civilian life and was instrumental in the establishment of the Rotary Club of Melbourne becoming its second President.
At 0745 hrs you are invited to gather at The Shrine of Remembrance Visitors Centre to honour the detailed planning and marvellous execution of the great battle and victory in the Battle of Amiens - WWI by the Australian Forces united for the first time under Australian Command.
At 0800 we will witness the overflight (weather permitting) by the Sopwith Pup (RAAF Museum) in recognition of the significant new role of the Australian Air Corps in the Battle of Amiens, followed by an official welcome, wreath laying and short addresses related to Monash leadership.
Historians may enjoy the brief note below:
British war correspondent Philip Gibbs noted Amiens' effect on the war's tempo, saying on 27 August that "the enemy...is on the defensive" and "the initiative of attack is so completely in our hands that we are able to strike him at many different places." Gibbs also credits Amiens with a shift in troop morale, saying "the change has been greater in the minds of men than in the taking of territory. On our side the army seems to be buoyed up with the enormous hope of getting on with this business quickly" and that "there is a change also in the enemy's mind. They no longer have even a dim hope of victory on this western front. All they hope for now is to defend themselves long enough to gain peace by negotiation."
For further information please contact Bernie McIntosh at bernie.mcintosh@vicgroup.com.au
