Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA105
Saturday 8 November 2008
NEW WESTERN FRONT MEMORIAL HONOURS AUSTRALIANS IN WWI
On the eve of the 90th anniversary of the Armistice, the sacrifice of Australians in the First World War will
be honoured at the re-dedication of the Australian Corps Memorial Park at Le Hamel, the Minister for
Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, announced today.
In France for the ceremony, Minister Griffin said the memorial will be officially re-dedicated by Australia’s
Governor-General, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, on Saturday 8 November (Sunday in
Australia).
“The Australian Corps Memorial Park honours the Australian efforts in the First World War, including the
crucial Battle of Le Hamel, which was fought on the site where the memorial now stands,” Mr Griffin said.
Mr Griffin said the Battle at Le Hamel was a strong tactical battle combining air, infantry and tanks
planned by General Sir John Monash. It was later described as “the perfect battle.”
“On 4 July 1918, a combined force of Australians, four full-strength American companies and British
tanks set out to achieve the task of straightening the line near Le Hamel – a battle that lasted just 93
minutes. Carrier tanks were used to bring fresh supplies directly behind advancing infantry and achieved
in minutes a task that previously had required hundreds of soldiers,” the Minister said.
“Around 7500 Australians fought at Le Hamel, with 1400 Australian and United States casualties.”
“Since its original construction in 1998 the memorial has suffered significant deterioration. In 2006 the
Australian Government committed $7.9m to rebuild the memorial and improve the amenity of the
Memorial Park. The memorial has been redeveloped using material and construction methods to
withstand the climatic conditions of Northern France.
“The three curved walls of the memorial are clad with green granite. The centre wall displays a large
bronze sculpture of the rising sun insignia and the walls on either side feature a quote in bronze lettering
from the speech made by the Prime Minister of France, George Clémenceau, to Australian troops after
the Battle of Le Hamel – one wall in English and one wall in French.
“Flying behind the memorial are the national flags of America, Britain, Australia, France and Canada.
“New interpretive panels have been installed to give visitors an understanding of the significance of the
site and progress of the battle. Other facilities, such as the new bench seats and picnic tables, will make
the Memorial Park a place to reflect upon the service and sacrifice of those it commemorates.”
More than 330,000 Australians served overseas during the First World War in historic battles along the
Western Front, on the shores of Gallipoli and in the Middle East. Around 61,000 lost their lives.
The Australian Government will also hold a Remembrance Day service at the Australian National
Memorial in Villers-Bretonneux, France, on Tuesday 11 November. Australians travelling in France are
invited to attend.
Le Hamel Memorial
Battle of Le Hamel
Heroes of Le Hamel
Media inquiries:
Laura Ryan 0437 863 109
The VVCS – Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week on
1800 011 046. To receive the Minister’s media releases automatically by email subscribe at
minister.dva.gov.au/subscribe.htm
NEWS 
