1916
The year 1916 was one of significant change. Many Gallipoli veterans and new recruits found themselves on the Western Front, where they discovered the devastating power of artillery on the battlefields of France and Belgium. Others, including most of the Light Horse regiments, remained in Egypt, where their first task was to protect the Suez Canal.
Structure & learning outcomes
These modules, based around key places Australians fought, explore the experience of warfare during the First World War and distinctive aspects of the 1916 experience. Related case studies present the individual perspectives, and supplementary source material. Questions and activities provide suggestions for developing core historical skills.
Primary students will interpret various sources to identify, compare and contrast their perspectives, sequence information and form conclusions around inquiry questions. Additionally, relevant issues around values and the roles of Australians as global citizens explore key content from the Australian Curriculum: Civics & Citizenship.
Secondary students will practice synthesising information from a range of primary and secondary source material to form evidence-based historical interpretations.
For Secondary students
Desert warfare in Sinai
Hot, thirsty, dirty work: Australians once again encounter the Ottoman Empire in the deserts of Sinai and Palestine.
Fromelles
Australian forces joined the main theatre of war on the Western Front as the British and French plan a joint offensive in the Somme region of France.
Pozières
Fighting around Pozières was part of the Somme offensive, intended in part to divert the German army’s attention from Verdun. It turned into something Charles Bean swore to never forget.
For Primary students
Desert warfare in Sinai
Hot, thirsty, dirty work: Australians once again encounter the Ottoman Empire in the deserts of Sinai and Palestine.
The Imperial Camel Corps
Camels were very useful in Sinai and Palestine. Tens of thousands were needed to get water to the soldiers, and they were also good for patrolling in the desert.