Page: 1 2
ghosken
Moderator
Global user
Registered: 05-2003
Posts: 404
Karma: 0 (+0/-0)
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
ANZACS DVD
In the holidays I finally found time to finish watching the DVD of the TV series. While I could recognise parts of the script from various books I have read, there were two events that I have not come across before, and was wondering if someone could provide more info.
Firstly, the existence of a group of Aussie deserters livng on the old Somme battlefield, and guarding their territory from other Diggers with the threat of force. Did this happen?
Secondly, in the show 'Pat' provided a group of American soldiers with Aussie uniforms, so they could fight in the Battle of Hamel disguised as Aussies. I know that Pershing did relent and let some Americans take part, but were other Yanks actually disguised as Aussies?
Graeme
|
|
1/26/2004, 12:17 pm
|
Send Email to ghosken
Send PM to ghosken
|
stevebec
Registered user
Global user
Registered: 12-2003
Posts: 23
Karma: 0 (+0/-0)
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: ANZACS DVD
Mate.
I don't know about the first part of your question but I do remember somewhere about the yanks joinning in the attack. And some of them being discuised in aussie uniforms.
I'll get back to you.
S.B
|
|
1/27/2004, 9:56 am
|
Send Email to stevebec
Send PM to stevebec
|
stevebec
Registered user
Global user
Registered: 12-2003
Posts: 23
Karma: 0 (+0/-0)
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: ANZACS DVD
Mate,
The offical History states that the order to withdraw the US troops was given on the afternoon of the 3rd July 1917 and about six companies from the twelve on strenght (131st US Regt) with aussie units were withdrawn. The six other companies had moved into position and there withdraw would compromise the battle plan.
Monash at 5 pm contacted Rawlingson to countermand the order but Haig could not be contacted so Monash used the remaining US companies without the consent of Pershing who was under the impresion that all US troop would be withdrawn.
Vol VI page 276 mentions that there may have been some yanks from the six withdrawn companies still with our forces (see 42Bn History) but that it may have been only one or two.
S.B
|
|
1/27/2004, 1:22 pm
|
Send Email to stevebec
Send PM to stevebec
|
Andrew P
Registered user
Global user
Registered: 05-2003
Posts: 139
Karma: 0 (+0/-0)
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: ANZACS DVD
I do recall reading in a battalion history about deserters in 1918, as the unit history mentioned that the men were told to look out for deserters who were known to be in the area.
From memory I think it was around Abbeville when this unit was out of the line, mid 1918.
Plus there is that famous photo that was in the Western Front edition of the Time-Life series of Australians at War.
It showed a group of deserters who had their photo taken and had posted it to the Provosts.
---
Remembering No.171 Pte Phillip George Pittaway 27th Battalion AIF
|
|
1/27/2004, 3:27 pm
|
Send Email to Andrew P
Send PM to Andrew P
|
ghosken
Moderator
Global user
Registered: 05-2003
Posts: 404
Karma: 0 (+0/-0)
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: ANZACS DVD
Thanks for your responses. John Laffin's book on Hamel may have more on the uniforms. The Anzacs program seemed to place the deserters around 1917. The writer seems to have been a WWI buff, so I doubt he made it up, yet I feel that the way the group of deserters was portrayed in the series, then the story would be better known - if it was true. All those historians who have criticised the Digger would have jumped on such an event, I'm sure.
Graeme
|
|
1/28/2004, 10:47 pm
|
Send Email to ghosken
Send PM to ghosken
|
Jonty
Registered user
Global user
Registered: 01-2004
Posts: 21
Karma: 0 (+0/-0)
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
 Re: ANZACS DVD
Graeme,
Don't know about the deserters. But seems to have similarities to the BBC series "Monacled Mutineer", based on an actual case, but it was to long ago that I can't remember the details. If you'll remember the leader was questioned by Barrington I think and Barrington recollecetd an Actor who played "english" gentlement in Australia.
Jonty
|
|
1/31/2004, 11:50 am
|
Send Email to Jonty
Send PM to Jonty
|
stevebec
Registered user
Global user
Registered: 12-2003
Posts: 23
Karma: 0 (+0/-0)
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: ANZACS DVD
Mate,
Watching that bit some time ago I was led to understand that this group contained not only aussies, but Brit's and maybe frog's.
Also the deserter "Dingo" met his end at Amiens.
Purhaps to much was made of this in this TV show.
S.B
|
|
1/31/2004, 5:01 pm
|
Send Email to stevebec
Send PM to stevebec
|
Geoff S
Registered user
Global user
Registered: 01-2004
Posts: 67
Karma: 0 (+0/-0)
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: ANZACS DVD
AWM Official Photo No. A3862. as noted by Andrew P. Another image I have always liked. Perhaps it is because of the men's contempt for authority. Or perhaps it is the sheer audacity of the act.
Sent to the Provost Marshal.
'With all due respect we send you this P.C. as a souvenir, trusting that you will keep it as a mark of esteem from those who know you well. At the same time trusting that Nous jamais regardez vous encore. Au Revoir. Nous.'
Geoff S
Last edited by Geoff S, 1/31/2004, 11:36 pm
|
|
1/31/2004, 11:22 pm
|
Send Email to Geoff S
Send PM to Geoff S
|
Jonty
Registered user
Global user
Registered: 01-2004
Posts: 21
Karma: 0 (+0/-0)
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: ANZACS DVD
Steve,
I guess its just a show and we all know what happens to facts for entertainment purposes. Still, I enjoyed it. There is very little good factual WW1 stuff around.
I have another question for you lot so I'll post it?
Jonty
|
|
2/2/2004, 8:28 am
|
Send Email to Jonty
Send PM to Jonty
|
Paddy8
Registered user
Global user
Registered: 01-2004
Posts: 107
Karma: 0 (+0/-0)
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: ANZACS DVD
G'day Graeme.
I'm wondering just how much Black Jack Pershing was actually told about his troops at Hamel!
On 20/11/18 he provided his Secretary of War with a detailed account of the AEF activities. He mentions relatively minor involvement at Vaux & near Chateau Terry, both slightly preceeding Hamel, but no reference to that day, despite the significance of the date.
He did, however, "wax lyrical" soon after.
"Other Divisions attached to the Allied Armies were doing their part. It was the fortune of our 24 Corps, composed of the 27th & 30th Divisions, which had stayed with the British, to have a place of honor in cooperation with the Australian Corps on September 29 and October 1 in the assault on the Hindenburg Line where the St Quentin Canal passes through a tunnel under a ridge"
ooRoo
Pat
|
|
2/3/2004, 11:10 am
|
Send Email to Paddy8
Send PM to Paddy8
|
Add a reply
Page: 1 2
Powered by AkBBS 0.9.5b - Link to us
- Blogs
- Hall of Honour
- Chat
Click here to get your own free message board
|
You are not logged in (login)
Board's time is: 11/24/2009, 4:19 am
|
|
|
