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Britain Declares War on Germany
Britain (one of Australia's allies) declares war on Germany, entering the war for the first time. Australia, as an Allie of Britain, will follow them into the war. -
Volunteer Recruiting begins in Australia
By the end of 1914, 52,561 Australian men had passed the physical and medical standards for recruitment into the war. Despite two attempts to introduce conscription, voluntary enlistment remained for the duration of the war. This was the first time Australia had been involved in war, so young Australian men were eager to enlist, to fight for their country. -
First Battle of Ypres
The first Battle of Ypres involved the Allied Soldiers, including British and Australian troops against the German forces. Fierce battle occurred and there were heavy losses on both sides. The battle came to a halt on November 22, when the winter weather forced the battle to stop. However, this was only the first battle of Ypres and there were 2 to come. This battle was significant to Australians as it was one of the first major battles they fought in. -
Australian Troops land in Gallipoli
British, Australian, New Zealand and French troops landed at Gallipoli before dawn. The Anzac troops landed at Anzac cove, where they were faced with steep, uphill conditions that they hadn't trained in. They had no cover from the Turkish at the top of the hill. They managed to hold the area on the beach and remained there for the next 8 months. This event was significant for Australians because it was where the ANZAC name came to be and is the main WW1 battle that Australians nowadays remember. -
Battle of Lone Pine
The 1st Division attacked the Turkish positions at Lone Pine. They captured it and spent the next 3 days defending it. The battle was so fierce that the 1st and 3rd brigades suffered 2,277 casualties. This battle is significant to Australians because seven Victoria cross awards were given out, the Victoria cross award being a high military award. -
Charge at the Nek
Dismounted Australian light horsemen charged at the Turkish trenches against machine-gun and rifle fire. The attack was a fail with 234 of the 8th and 10th Light Horse regiments killed and 140 wounded. The Charge at the Nek is significant as it was the first real action the light horsemen, though dismounted, had faced in the war. -
Evacuation of Gallipoli
The evacuation of all British, New Zealand and Australian troops from Anzac Cove was done without a single casualty. However, by then, the Australians had suffered 26,000 casualties, 8,000 of which were killed in action or died of diseases or wounds.This was significant, as it ended the 8 months of horrific conditions the Australian and New Zealand troops were faced with. However, for many of the troops, their war effort wasn't over as they were immediately sent to fight at the Western Front. -
British offensive of the Somme begins
Anzacs arrived in France to reinforce the major British offensive. The plan, along with several other offensives, was intended to create a 'rupture' in the German line, which could then be 'exploited' with one decisive blow. It was hoped that by tying down the German army on the Somme it would relieve pressure from the French army which was locked in a campaign with the Germans at Verdun. The Battle of the Somme was a major battle within WW1 in which many Australian troops fought and died in. -
Battle of Fromelles
Along with the British 61st Division, the Australian 5th Division attacked the German positions near Fromelles. For Australians, the battle was costly and unsuccessful, with the the 5th Division suffering 5,533 casualties in less than 24 hours. (The Battle ended on July 20th 1916.) This battle was significant as Australian troops played a large part in the battle and had a large amount of casualties in a short period of time. -
Battle of Pozieres
The 1st Division attacked and captured the German occupied village, gaining a big advance. However, the capture of the town pushed 'a bulge' in the British line, therefore allowing the German forces to relentlessly shell the Australians from multiple sides. The 1st Division suffered 5,285 casualties over 5 days. (The Battle ended on September 3, 1916). Although there were many casualties, this battle was significant as capturing the town was a good victory for the Australians and the allies. -
Battle of Romani
The Anzac Mounted Division fought its first battle at Romani. Australian, New Zealand and British troops forced the Turkish to withdraw through their attacks, but not without suffering 900 casualties. This battle was significant for Australians as it was the first battle that the Mounted Division fought with Australian horses involved. -
First Conscription Referendum
With the casualties on the Western Front soon outweighing the voluntary enlistment, political leaders in Australia raised the idea of conscription. The idea was put to the Australian people in a referendum and was 'narrowly' rejected. The conscription referendum was significant as Australia was struggling to supply Britain with the amount of troops they had promised. The negative result of the referendum prevented many young Australians from being unwillingly sent to war. -
Battle of the Somme ends
The battle of the Somme came to an end before the start of winter. Many targets set for the British still remained in the hands of the enemy. Anzacs occupied positions between the villages of Flers and Gueudecourt, where it endured the harshest European winter for over for 40 years. This event is significant as it ended the battle in which many Australian troops fought and died in. -
United States declares war on Germany
The United States being apart of The Allies. It took at least 12 months before US troops were present on the Western Front with enough numbers to have any effect on the war. This was significant for Australians as the US were a large force on the side of the allies. -
Battle of Polygon Wood
The 5th and 4th Divisions attacked the German position of Polygon Wood as part of the third battle of Ypres. The infantry gained nearly all of their 'objectives' despite suffering 5,770 casualties. This battle was significant as it was another win for the Australians, yet, again, it came at a cost, with 5,770 casualties. -
Second conscription Referendum
The second referendum was rejected by another narrow margin.The conscription referendum was significant as Australia was struggling to supply Britain with the amount of troops they had promised. The negative result of the referendum prevented many young Australians from being unwillingly sent to war. -
Battle of Villers-Bretonneux
After the battle on April 5th, German troops successfully captured Villers-Bretonneux, an important railhead to Paris. Australian 13th Brigade of the 4th Division and 15th Brigade of the 5th Division launched a counter attack and were able to take control of the village from the Germans but suffered 1,469 casualties. This battle was significant as the Australian soldiers had another victory against the Germans, however again at a cost, with 1,469 casualties. -
Turkey signs Armistice
The Turkish government signed an armistice, bringing an end to the fighting in the Middle East. This was significant as it meant Turkey had given in to the battle in the Middle East, meaning the war was coming to an end, for Australians and all those involved. -
Armistice (End of WW1)
The German government signed an armistice that ended the first world war. By the end of the war, 61,512 Australians had been killed or died from disease or wounds and 152,000 had been wounded.
