Battle of Pozières
The shattered back gardens of the village of Pozieres, seen from the Pozières-Bapaume road.
In the early hours of 23 July 1916, men of the Australian Imperial Force attacked the German-held village of Pozières in northern France. Launched in part to divert attention from the besieged French stronghold of Verdun, Australia's first major action in the Battle of the Somme saw the diggers capture most of the village that first day.
German command ordered that Pozières be retaken at all costs. So ensued weeks of bitter fighting as the Germans saturated the area with artillery fire and gas, while launching determined counterattacks. It was all the Australians could do to hold on - indeed they managed to expand their gains further northeast to capture the OG trenches and the Windmill. To the north west they ground their way towards Mouquet Farm.
When they were relieved in early September the 1st, 2nd and 4th Australian Divisions had suffered some 23,000 casualties.
While Gallipoli remains the best known Australian campaign of the First World War, official historian Charles Bean famously noted that Pozières ridge "is more densely sown with Australian sacrifice than any other place on earth".
One hundred and ten years on, we remember all who endured the carnage at Pozières.
Explore AWM's extensive collection
- Read the classroom resources:Pozières
- See Pozières Diorama located in the First World War galleries
- Experience up-close collection items including artwork, photography and oral histories
The Last Post Ceremony is presented in the Commemorative area of the Australian War Memorial each day. The ceremony commemorates more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in war and other operations and whose names are recorded on the Roll of Honour. At each ceremony the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour is told. Hosted by Troy Clayton, the story for this day was on (4235) Private Mark Walsh, 22nd Battalion, First World War.