Geoff Spencer spoke on the centenary of the battle of Le Hamel 4th July 1918.
Historical context, terrible conflict with outmoded tactics of British with unacceptable deaths and causalities.
In 1917 1st Australian Army Corp commanded by an Australian Lt. Gen Sir John Monash who questioned traditional approach, did proper risk assessment and understood modern warfare with the role of infantry to advance under the maximum possible protection.
Comparing the Battle of Fromelles, under British command, and the Battle of Le Hamel, under Lt. Gen. Sir John Monash command.
Fromelles worst single night in Australian Military history, whilst Le Hamel was a perfect battle. Fromelles duration 14 hours, Le Hamel 93 minutes. Outcome Frommels a failure with 7,000 casualties with no ground won, Le Hamell successful with 250 killed and ground won.
Le Hamel was meticulously planned, consultative conferences and intense training.
Success of Le Hamel helped change the mind-set from defense to offence.
46,000 died on Western Front, with 21,000 buried in beautifully kept cemeteries, with 15,000 bodies still lie undiscovered.