Heroes of Hamel

July 4, 2018 marked the 100th anniversary of the World War One Battle of Hamel, fought on the Somme on American Independence Day. It was an Allied victory, achieved in a staggering 93 minutes, which introduced tactics that dramatically turned the tide against the Germans and changed the way that war is fought.

The battle of Hamel was remarkable for its speed, the tactics employed, numerous acts of extreme bravery, and the fact that for the first time in history, American troops fought under Australian command.

The Battle of Hamel explores the preparations and ramifications for this blitzkrieg and the parts played by six men in particular:

General John Monash, a former Melbourne engineer who had risen through militia ranks to become the first Australian corps commander of WWI. He put his career on the line by conceiving and commanding the bold Hamel assault, implementing it despite the reservations of his British superior and the interference of American commander General Pershing and Monash's own Australian prime minister, Billy Hughes.

Australians Private Henry Dalziel and Lance Corporal Jack Axford both won the Victoria Cross (VC) for their gallantry during the battle. Sergeant Ned Searle, who is related to Stephen Dando-Collins, set out to win a Victoria Cross during the battle.

Colonel Joseph B Sanborn, at 64 supposedly much too old for front-line service, yet as commander of the American 131st Regiment, defied the orders of US commander General Pershing to lead his men into battle alongside the Australians. On General Monash's recommendation, Sanborn was awarded the British Distinguished Service Cross (DSC).

American Corporal Thomas Pope won America's highest gallantry award, the Medal of Honor (MOH), for his part in the Battle of Hamel, becoming the first member of the US Army to be awarded the Medal of Honor in World War One. Pope would live to 94, becoming the last WWI Medal of Honor winner to pass away.