New memorial marks Diggers' 'perfect battle'

The Weekend Australian ^ | 8th November 2008 | Mark Day

[naturalman1975]

FOR 10 years, the grim visage of Australia's greatest soldier, Sir John Monash, stared across the scene of his triumphant "perfect battle" at Le Hamel, on France's Western Front.

Now it is gone - a victim of shoddy workmanship and an unfortunate likeness to Adolf Hitler.

In its place is a $6 million memorial to Australia's World War I Diggers that will be dedicated today.

Monash's face may have been removed from the memorial, but his deeds have not been forgotten. The story of his meticulous planning and training for his first major attack after taking command of the five Australian divisions fighting in France and Belgium in 1918 is told on one of 13 interpretive plinths that form part of the Australian memorial park.

Monash's battle plan on July 4, 1918, involved the orchestrated use of artillery, tanks, aircraft and infantry, including 1000 American soldiers. It was the first time American troops had fought under foreign command.

Monash predicted the battle would take 90 minutes. It was all over in 93.

The Battle of Le Hamel became the template for further Allied actions leading to the Armistice on November 11, 1918 - 90 years ago on Tuesday. After further victories, including the Battle for Amiens on August 8, 1918, King George V knighted Monash in the field - the first investiture of its kind in 200 years.

[naturalman1975]

Now it is gone - a victim of shoddy workmanship and an unfortunate likeness to Adolf Hitler.

I went to see it a few years ago, and that imagery didn't strike me. But looking at this photo, I can see the point:

As Monash was a Jew who had to endure anti-Semitism, the poor image is even more inappropriate.

[naturalman1975]

After further victories, including the Battle for Amiens on August 8, 1918, King George V knighted Monash in the field - the first investiture of its kind in 200 years.