The I and II ANZAC Corps arrived in France in the build-up to the battle of the Somme, a major British offensive. The plan coincided with several other offensives in other theatres, but was intended to create a rupture in the German line, which could then be exploited with a decisive blow. It was hoped that tying down the German Army on the Somme would relieve pressure on the French Army, which was locked in a savage campaign with the Germans at Verdun.
Alongside the British 61st Division, the Australian 5th Division attacked the German positions near Fromelles. The intention was to make a demonstration in the Lille area so that the German Army would be prevented from transferring reserves to the Somme. For the Australians, the action was a costly and unsuccessful introduction to the war on the Western Front, with the 5th Division suffering 5533 casualties in less than 24 hours.
The I ANZAC Corps was assigned the task of capturing Pozières village and moving the line northwards towards Mouquet Farm. On 23 July the 1st Division attacked and captured the German-occupied village. The successful capture of the village pushed a bulge in the British line, thereby allowing German artillery to relentlessly shell the Australian positions from multiple sides. The 1st Division suffered heavily, incurring 5285 casualties over five days.Add Description Here
After several months of long-range patrolling east of the Suez Canal, the ANZAC Mounted Division fought its first major action at Romani. Australian, New Zealand and British mounted troops engaged up to 8000 Turks moving west towards British outposts. The mounted troops were able to turn the flank of the attacking enemy, who were ultimately forced to withdraw. The Australian troops took the brunt of the assault at a cost of 900 casualties.
After returning to the Somme, the I ANZAC Corps conducted some smaller operations against the village of Flers. Although some gains were made, German counter-attacks ultimately recaptured the positions.Add Description Here
The Battle of the Somme came to an end before the onset of winter. Many objectives set for the British for the first day of the campaign remained in the hands of the enemy. The I ANZAC Corps occupied positions between the villages of Flers and Gueudecourt, where it endured the harshest European winter for 40 years.