1 of 2

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 7

soldiers? Unlikely, even in the most warlike societies, the population requires rigorous training to excel on the battlefield. What is true of the AIF is that it remained a volunteer force throughout the conflict, and maintained high morale even during its most depressing moments. Australia also sought to send only the fittest people overseas, and recruits were required to pass rigorous physical examinations. In comparison to the British conscripts in 1918, they were considerably better material from which to forge well honed fighting forces.

The Commanders
The AIF left Australia under the command of Maj.Gen. Sir William Bridges, a career officer and Inspector-General of the Australian Army. Determined they would fight as a single force, Bridges trained his force rigorously in Egypt. Having landed at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915; he was urging a withdrawal from the peninsula within days. Unfortunately, his potential as the AIF Commander was never realised, as a sniper ended his life in May 1915.
Bridges was succeeded by a British Officer, Lt.Gen. W.R. Birdwood, who would command the ANZAC Forces until succeeded by Monash in May 1918. Birdwood has been cast as a fine leader, praised by many reporters and historians for his time in command. As career officer, Birdwood undoubtedly used his time with the AIF to his own gain, and sometimes to the detriment of his troops. Even after the defeat at Gallipoli, he continued an inappropriate training regime that ill-prepared them for battlefields of France.
In July 1916, the 5th Division was ordered to attack Fromelles with the British 62nd Division despite the former having only just arrived in theatre. A flawed plan, conducted in contravention of GHQ tactical notes issued two months earlier, and the over-confidence of Birdwood in his forces preparedness were two in a number of deficiencies leading up to the battle. When doubts were raised about the standard of training received by the 5th Division, Birdwood rejected them out of hand. Discussing the coming operation at GHQ, Maj. H.C.L. Howard said it would be a Bloody Holocaust'. He was unerringly correct. Birdwood's careerism, and inability to demand time to prepare his force for the tasks set them were characteristic of his command and responsible for many of their disasters.
In contrast, Lt.Gen. John Monash was amongst the most thorough commanders on the Western Front. Monash believed in meticulous planning and thorough training prior to any major engagement to which he

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• ...
• 7
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about The Anzacs in France, 1918: The reasons for their effectiveness?
We want to hear your view. Write now!