Based upon a true storey, this movie follows my grandfathers enlistment into the 6th reinforcements of the AIF 60th battalion in 1916. At 18 his detailed diary follows his travels to France to face the German enemy in the knowledge that the original 60th battalion was all but wiped out in the first day of the infamous Battle of Fromelles 19 July 1916 - 20 July 1916. Fromelles was the first major battle fought by Australian troops on the Western Front. The British command famously stated "it would be good for them". The movie begins with the bloodshed of this battle. Upon enlistment, he befriends an AWOL New Zealand veteran of the failed Gallipoli battle of 1915 whom has escaped his unit and travelled to Australia, changed his name and incredibly re-enlisted with the 60th AIF battalion to travel back to war. Upon arrival they soon go AWOL under the influence of the older veteran experiencing the wonders of France. Upon return they rejoin their battalion and besides a demotion to private enters the war wherein they experience many of the most telling battles. He famously "goes over the top" on his 21st birthday. The Australians famously lacked some discipline but made up for this with sheer guys and glory. One storey carried down through my family has them entering an abandoned pub (hotel) in Villers Bretonneux before further bombardmen, they search for alcohol, beer or wine in particular but can only locate french champanie, they burry a number of cases and place a sign on the mound stating "Dead Horse" so that it will not be dug up by others. This is their celebration drink should they return from the next big push over the Somme. They return few in number and drink the remains. The battle of Villers Bretonneux turns the war and for the first time the Germans are on the run. Towards the end of the war, due to low numbers of survivors, the 60th battalion is ordered to disband. Reluctantly they do due the high regard for their Australian commander. They are the only battalion to ever do so.
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Last update: 27-01-2011 21:33 |
| Published in : War |
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