The Somme 1916: Australia’s costliest theatre of war

Content and talent for the Western Front centenary

Today, marks 100 years since the battle of the Somme was launched on the Western Front and to commemorate this anniversary the Australian War Memorial will hold a Last Post Ceremony this evening.

To assist media with their First World War centenary coverage the Memorial’s media team has updated the online media centre, making it easier for to access content direct from the Memorial. www.awm.gov.au/media

More than 100 years ago the Gallipoli campaign ended, leaving 8,700 dead, but the worst was yet to come. Beginning on 1 July, the purpose of the Somme offensive was to bring an end to the deadlock of trench warfare, and to relieve pressure on the French at Verdun. The campaign was massive, and included troops from Britain, Australia, France, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and Newfoundland.

Later in July the AIF joined the Somme campaign, beginning with the fighting at Pozières. Charles Bean, our official First World War correspondent at the front, was witness to Australia sustaining 23,000 casualties over the six weeks of intense fighting. This was in addition to the 5,500 Australian casualties sustained days earlier in less than 24 hours at Fromelles.

By the time winter hit four months later the British and French had suffered 485,000 casualties, yet the line had advanced just 12 kilometres; nowhere near its intended objective.

Who:

His Excellency Mr Noel White, Irish Ambassador to Australia

His Excellency Mr Chris Seed, New Zealand High Commissioner

Dr Brendan Nelson, Director, Australian War Memorial

Mr Tony Brennan, Deputy British High Commissioner, accompanied by Wing Commander Jonathan Hough, Military Adivser, Royal Air Force

Ten UK military exchange officers from the British High Commission

French Defence Attaché Captain Yann Marbouef

What:

Last Post Ceremony honouring Corporal Arthur Julius Stewart McCulloch of the 12th Battalion, AIF, who was killed in action on the Western Front in 191

(Dr Nelson will deliver the reading, and the Union Jack will be displayed during the ceremony, which will also include the British national anthem)

Where:

Commemorative Area, Australian War Memorial, Canberra

When:

4.30 pm for a 4.50 pm start, Friday 1 July 2016

Note:

Media are advised to park in the underground car park and arrive via the front steps of the Memorial