March 1918, the final year of World War 1, saw a major German offensive in France. It commenced on 21 March, a 100 years ago. If successful, it would have changed the outcome of the war. The Germans did make significant advances through British lines (with feints against French lines that dissuaded the French from moving forces away to support the British). The Australian Army Corps played a pivotal role in pushing back the German advance – their “shock troops” providing critical support for the British. David Cameron has written a riveting account of the Australian involvement in this campaign, using diaries and letters from the soldiers involved to give a feel for what it was like on the ground. It is the first of two volumes that deal with Australia’s role on the Western Front in World War 1.
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