VILLERS-BRETONNEUX

    On the 25th of April 1918,  the third anniversary of ANZAC day, Australian soldiers liberated the small french town of Villers-Bretonneux.  This battle was used as a counter -attack against the German offense which was moving in on the major town of Amien.  Australian soldiers encounted firece house to house   fighting in this battle, and due to thier  great heroism at Villers-Bretonneux, the town of Amien was saved.

     After the war, Villers-Bretonneux was in ruins. An Australian primary school in Victoria fundraised and sent money to Villers-Bretonneux to rebuild the school that had been destroyed.  Today still, there is a sign in the Victoria Primary School that states:  "Do not forget Australia"

        The enormous amount of loss the Australians suffered in this area is reflected at the Australian National Memorial which is located just outside Villers-Bretonneux.

POINTS OF INTEREST

  Back to Western Front Overview / Home