In episode 48 we explore the key surface actions of World War 1 and the naval strategies that helped win the war.

Rule Brittania adapted from a poem by James Thompson (1700-1748). Lyrics Thomas Augustine Arne (1710–1778) performed by Albert Farrington.

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The Balkans was a savage sideshow of World War 1 featuring all the horrors that modern industrial warfare could create. Add in extreme cold during Winter and Tropical diseases during the warmer months and you have a uniquely miserable campaign.

Sources: Balkan Battlegrounds (US Army Center of Military History, 2002), The First World War by John Keegan, The Salonika Front by Alan Wakefield, Australian War Memorial, Official History of Australia in the War of 1914–1918 (Charles Bean, Vol. III)

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Rich wants to cover the battle of Flers Courcellette which primarily involved New Zealanders, Canadians and the first ever use of tanks. Dave questions Rich incessantly about the diversion from our primarily Australian content.

Sources: The Eastern Front 1914–1917 by Norman Stone, The First World War by John Keegan, New Zealand and the First World War 1914–1919, Official History of Canada in the First World War by G.W.L. Nicholson, Charles Bean’s Official History of Australia in the War of 1914–1918 (Vol. III), Australian War Memorial.

https://recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/Home/

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Artillery was the most deadly Weapon of World War 1. The full horrors of massed artillery were particularly noticed at Verdun and on the Somme. In episode 44 we explore the common weapons, shell types, fuses and tactics used.

Sources: Charles Bean’s Official History of Australia in the War of 1914–1918 (Vol. III), Australian War Memorial, The Somme by Robin Prior and Trevor Wilson, World War I Artillery (Imperial War Museum archives).

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In this episode we look at the VC actions of two postumous VCs from Pozieres and Mouquet Farm. Thomas Cooke and Claud Castleton.

Sources: Australian War Memorial, London Gazette (September 9 and 26, 1916), Charles Bean’s Official History of Australia in the War of 1914–1918 (Vol. III), Eastern Daily Press (July 1, 2006), Wikipedia (List of First World War Victoria Cross recipients)

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Mouquet Farm was a battle within the broader battle of Pozieres which in itself was a battle during the Somme Offensive. This small area saw 6800 Australian casualties within a few weeks.

Sources: Charles Bean’s Official History of Australia in the War of 1914–1918 (Vol. III), Australian War Memorial records, London Gazette (September 9, 1916), Scott Bennett’s Pozières: The Anzac Story, Anzac Portal.

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Martin O'Meara a strapping young lad from Lorra Ireland Migrated to Australia to make his way in the world A VC action and significant injury at Mouquet Farm subsequent woundings at Bullecourt and Messines Ridge all took their toll. O'Meara's story testament to the everyday heroism and the everyday trauma of the Western Front.

Sources: Australian War Memorial, Australian Dictionary of Biography (Richard E. Reid, 1988), London Gazette (September 9, 1916), Ian Loftus’s The Most Fearless and Gallant Soldier I Have Ever Seen, National Museum of Ireland, Irish Times.

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A young man, an adventurous spirit and 3 different wars in South Africa.

Sources Australian War Memorial, Australian Dictionary of Biography (Merrilyn Lincoln, 1981), London Gazette (December 23, 1915)

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John Leake single handedly cleared a German machine gun post at Pozieres. His subsequent desertion speaks volumes to the traumas that soldiers suffered, particularly on the Somme.

Sources: Australian War Memorial, London Gazette (September 9, 1916), Wikipedia, InDaily, National WWII Museum.

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