The Red and Black Diamond - The History of the 21st Battalion 1915 - 1918
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 — before the battalion, its ranks depleted by heavy casualties and a shortage of reinforcements following the failed conscription referenda, 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having also earned the distinction of being the last Australian battalion to pull back when the Australian Corps was withdrawn from the line.
Published: 1997
Format: Hardcover with Dust Jacket
Pages: 291
Illustrations: Black & White
Condition: Used, Very Good |
