Bullecourt Town Commemorative Address

Bullecourt, France

**CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY**

As we stand here today, surrounded by lush green fields, it is hard to bring to mind their desolation and destruction as the place of some of the bloodiest battles Australia has seen.

In April and May 1917 “Bullecourt” took on a deep significance for thousands of Australian families.

On the 11th of April, Australian units, joining a major British offensive, were ordered to advance towards Bullecourt, which was part of the Hindenburg line.

The attack, the first to proceed without the cover of artillery fire, was to be led by tanks.

I’m sure you all know the story - these tanks failed to make an impact and either broke down or were destroyed, leaving the Aussies without cover, facing intense shell and machine gun fire without the support of their own artillery.

Resourceful as always, our troops broke into the enemy trenches. A feat no one thought possible.

However, the Aussies could advance no further, and threatened with being surrounded and cut off, were compelled to either fight their way out, or surrender.  

The merciless artillery, machine gun and small arms fire forced the bloodied survivors to retreat to their own lines, less than twelve hours later.

More than 1,100 men were taken prisoner – the most captured in a single engagement during the war, while more than 3,300 were killed or wounded.

On the 3rd of May a second attempt was made. This time the attack was supported by artillery and carried British and Australian infantry deep into the enemy defences.

It was said to be some of the most intense trench fighting of the war, with the action described as ‘berserk’. The fighting went on for two weeks before the Germans withdrew from Bullecourt.  

But the victory came at a huge cost and ultimately was for little strategic advantage.

Some 10,000 Australians were killed in the two battles fought here in 1917.

Among the casualties was one of Australia’s most highly decorated soldiers, Major Percy Black.

Official correspondent, Charles Bean, once described Percy as the ‘greatest fighting soldier in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF)’.

Percy was a gold prospector in my home state of Western Australia. In 1914 he put down his pan and signed up for the AIF.

Percy was recognised multiple times for his outstanding bravery at Gallipoli before transferring to the Western Front. Percy fought at Poziéres and Mouquet Farm, and for his actions, received further gallantry awards.

At Mouquet Farm he was shot in the neck and evacuated to London.

On day leave from hospital, Percy went sightseeing and after seeing the heavy traffic around Piccadilly Circus said, ‘I’ll be glad to get back to the battalion, mate. A man’s not safe here!’

He rejoined the 16th Battalion in time for the First Battle of Bullecourt. He was leading his men on the right flank when he said, ‘Come on boys, bugger the tanks’.

He was killed by a bullet to the head.

1917, the year of Bullecourt, was the costliest year in Australia’s wartime history.  

By year’s end, the AIF had also endured terrible fighting outside the Belgian town of Ypres and Australia’s war dead had grown to almost 40,000.  

Today, on Anzac Day, we gather to remember the service and sacrifice of the original Anzacs and all those who have followed in their footsteps over more than a century since, some 2 million Australians.

Ordinary Aussies who showed courage, selflessness, endurance, loyalty and mateship ¬– values that have come to define the character not only of Australian service personnel, but all Australians.

We remember the more than 103,000 Australians who have died in the service of our nation and the families left to mourn them.

People like Percy Black who answered our nation’s call and lost their lives for the cause in a distant land – cementing our nation’s relationship with the people of France and their own legacy in the process.

Lest we forget.

ENDS

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608