The ruins of Fleurbaix, as they appeared on 16 November 1918. This village was the scene of a ...

Accession Number E03723
Collection type Photograph
Object type Black & white - Glass original quarter plate negative
Maker Unknown Australian Official Photographer
Place made France
Date made 16 November 1918
Conflict First World War, 1914-1918
Copyright

Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain

Public Domain Mark This item is in the Public Domain

Description

The ruins of Fleurbaix, as they appeared on 16 November 1918. This village was the scene of a costly attack by the 5th Division on 19 July 1916, which marked the Division's first battle on French soil. Owing to the enemy having gained information of the operation in this area, the attacking troops suffered severe losses. Over 5,000 casualties were inflicted, the troops having first gained their objective, being forced to withdraw through the enemy flooding the captured position and the flank troops failing to come up.

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