Dernancourt
Dernancourt, a village near Albert, witnessed some battles between German troops and 3rd and 4th Australian Divisions in March and April 1918...
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During World War I, Dernancourt was behind the line of the Allies. However, in March and April 1918, when the Germans attacked the Somme, Dernancourt became the new front line. The village was destroyed by shells and the inhabitants were force to leave. The 3rd and 4th Australian Divisions were asked for help by the end of March 1918 in order to stop the German troops. |
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The 4th division then decided to put the main line of defense on the hills near Dernancourt and to use the rail backfill as a line of advanced post. On 3rd and 4th April 1918, the French civilians told the Australians than the German troops were in the village, in their cellars and basements. The German launched some attacks and mortar fires during two hours. Then the German tried to take the Australian position. After intense battles, the Germans were pushed back by the Australian bayonets. Some months after this defeat, the German Army was beaten. |
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Now some evidence of the Australian presence in 1918 are still visible : => several streets have the name of Australian places likes "rue d'Australie" (Australian street) or the school "Pavillon Adélaïde" (Adelaïde's house), => the Adelaïde school is partly financed thanks to the sponsorship of the widow of an Australian soldier, killed at Dernancourt |
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