First Battle of Dernancourt

Unveiling the First Battle of Dernancourt: A Turning Point in World War I

The First Battle of Dernancourt, fought on March 28, 1918, near Dernancourt in northern France during World War I, was a pivotal moment that shaped the course of the war. Imagine this battle as a chess game where one side had to hold its ground against overwhelming odds—could they do it?

Setting the Stage: The German Spring Offensive

The stage for the First Battle of Dernancourt was set by the larger German spring offensive that began on March 21, 1918. After the Third Battle of Ypres petered out in late 1917, the Western Front fell into a lull over the winter months. But as early as 1918, it became clear to the Allies that a large German offensive was on the horizon.

The Australian and British Troops: A Lasting Stand

Amidst this looming threat, the Australian 3rd and 4th Divisions were sent south from Belgium to help stem the tide of the German spring offensive towards Amiens. These troops, including the 12th Brigade, were deployed along a railway line between Albert and Dernancourt, with the 48th Battalion on the left and the 47th Battalion on the right.

The Battle Begins: A Foggy Dawn

At dawn, under the cover of fog, the Germans launched their assault. The Australian 12th Brigade was caught off guard as German artillery fell heavily on their support lines and rear area. As the mist lifted, Sergeant Stanley McDougall saw German troops advancing through the thick fog. Could he have imagined what would follow?

Heroism and Sacrifice: The Battle of Dernancourt

Sergeant McDougall quickly deployed a small group behind an unmanned bank but was soon engaged in fierce combat. His actions, along with those of the 47th Battalion, were crucial in repelling every German assault. Despite heavy casualties, they held their ground, making it clear that this battle would not be easily won.

The Turning Point: Counter-Attacks and Artillery Support

As the day wore on, the Germans continued to advance, reaching the railway embankment and pushing back Australian and British forces. However, a counter-attack by the 12th Machine Gun Company pushed them back as far as Dernancourt. The battle was not over yet.

The Aftermath: Casualties and Reflection

Throughout the day, both sides suffered heavy casualties. The Australian 35th Division alone took around 1,540 casualties from March 25-30. Despite these losses, the battle demonstrated the resilience of the Allied forces. The Germans made minor but unsuccessful assaults on April 1 and 3 before renewing their offensive with a determined push that was halted by the 4th Division after fierce fighting during the Second Battle of Dernancourt.

The First Battle of Dernancourt stands as a testament to the bravery and determination of the Australian and British troops. It was a battle where every soldier fought not just for their own survival but for the greater good, holding back an enemy that seemed unstoppable. The lessons learned from this battle would shape future strategies in World War I.