Pozieres

Newly-arrived in France, the Australians first saw action in World War I at Pozieres on the Somme in 1916. Three Australian divisions assaulted the hill which was the dominating feature of the sector. The hill was captured on August 4, in an offensive that had begun on July 1. Australia suffered a higher percentage of casualties than any other member of the Allies and it was appropriate that the ridge at Pozieres should be chosen as the site of the main Australian war memorial.

The prominent hill and the relatively open surrounding terrain made Pozieres a target for both sides for the rest of the war. It was the scene of the first tank assault and the main Tank Corps memorial is nearby. The area was a focal point of the last great German offensive of March, 1918, although the site by then was defended by British troops.

Pozieres: Somme covers all of the actions that took place in this strategic sector throughout World War I and provides a detailed illustrated guide to touring all of the monuments and features of the battlefield as they are today.