The 21st Battalion, AIF, was raised at Broadmeadows, Victoria, in February 1915 as part of the 6th Brigade, 2nd Division, and fought at Gallipoli before transferring to the Western Front in March 1916, where it became the first Australian battalion to commence active operations there. It suffered heavy losses at Pozières and Mouquet Farm in mid-1916, endured the harsh winter of 1916–17 in the line, helped defend against the German Spring Offensive of 1918, and then took part in the Allied Hundred Days Offensive at Hamel, Amiens and Mont St Quentin — where Sergeant Albert Lowerson was awarded the Victoria Cross for leading the capture of a strongpoint despite being severely wounded.
With its ranks depleted by heavy casualties and a shortage of reinforcements following the failed conscription referenda, the battalion was disbanded in late 1918, having also earned the distinction of being the last Australian battalion to pull back when the Australian Corps was withdrawn from the line.
See Related Products below for more AIF battalion histories — order two or more titles together and we'll combine postage into one parcel.
BOOK DETAILS
- Hardcover book with dustjacket.
- Published 1997.
- 291 pages.
- Black and white illustrations.
CONDITION
This is a used book in very good condition. Contact the bookshop on 03 6381 1545 for additional photos if required before purchasing.
DELIVERY & IN-STORE PICKUP
- Combined Shipping: Sourcing multiple titles for your military history library? The Book Cellar offers combined flat-rate parcel delivery across Australia. Secure your books using our online checkout, or phone the bookshop directly on 03 6381 1545 to coordinate multi-volume shipping.
- Free Instore Pickup: Located in Tasmania or travelling the Midland Highway? Select "Instore Pickup" at checkout to pay no postage and collect your items directly from the counter at The Book Cellar, underneath Foxhunters Return in Campbell Town.
|
![Our Dear Old Battalion – The Story of the 7th Battalion AIF 1914–1919 | Ron Austin | 2004 [USED – HCDJ – Very Good]](https://onlinestore.bookcellar.com.au/images/T/My%20Dear%20Old%20Battalion-FP6cGM.png "Our Dear Old Battalion – The Story of the 7th Battalion AIF 1914–1919 | Ron Austin | 2004 [USED – HCDJ – Very Good]")
![Black and Gold – History of the 29th Battalion AIF | Ron Austin | 1997 | Signed & Numbered First Edition [USED – HCDJ – Very Good]](https://onlinestore.bookcellar.com.au/images/T/Black%20and%20Gold-Yujp1e.png "Black and Gold – History of the 29th Battalion AIF | Ron Austin | 1997 | Signed & Numbered First Edition [USED – HCDJ – Very Good]")
![The Fighting Fourth – A History of Sydney's 4th Battalion AIF 1914–1919 | Ron Austin | 2007 [USED – HCDJ – Very Good]](https://onlinestore.bookcellar.com.au/images/T/Fighting%20Fourth-Z4kvS2.png "The Fighting Fourth – A History of Sydney's 4th Battalion AIF 1914–1919 | Ron Austin | 2007 [USED – HCDJ – Very Good]")
