Australian 18th Battalion
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| Australian 18th Battalion | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1915-1919 |
| Country | Australia |
| Branch | Australian Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Line Infantry |
| Part of | Australian 5st Brigade |
| Colors | Purple over Green |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Evan Alexander Wisdom |
The 18th Battalion was raised in March 1915 in Liverpool, New South Wales as part of the new 5th Brigade, 2nd Division. The battalion left Australia in May and trained in Egypt from June until August. The 18th landed at Anzac Cove on 22 August 1915.
The Battalion took part in the attack on Battle of Hill 60 and lost around 50% of its force. For the majority of time the battalion was stationed at Gallipoli it was deployed to the position of Courtney's Post. The Battalion remained at gallipoli until the evacuation in December 1915.
The battalion returned to Egypt for further training, the 18th Battalion then proceeded to France. It arrived there on 22 March 1916 and proceeded to a position near Pozieres. The battalion took part in the first major battle at Pozières. The Battalion served in the line twice during the battle. After a rest in a quieter sector in Belgium, the entire 2nd Division returned to the south again in October.
In 1917 the 18th was involved in the attack on German forces after their retreat to the Hindenburg Line. The battalion also took part in three other major battles in 1917, Second Bullecourt, Menin Road and Poelcappelle in Belgium.
In 1918 the 18th helped to repel the German Spring Offensive. For his actions at Montbrehain, Lieutenant Joseph Maxwell was awarded the Victoria Cross. The battalion was in training out of the line when the armistice was declared in November 1918, and was disbanded in 11 April 1919.
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