Bretonneux Collection

Australian troops counter-attack at Amiens, WW1
Australian troops hold the line at Villers Bretonneux nine miles east of Amiens during a German attack during the Battle of Amiens in April 1918

German Railway gun captured at the Battle of Amiens - WW1
A huge German Railway gun captured at the Battle of Amiens on 8th August 1918 became a source of some Allied controversy. The Australian 31st Battalion effected its capture, but

Villers-Bretonneaux Church Bells, during the First World War

BATTLE AMIENS 1870
Battle of Amiens during the Franco-Prussian War: the Prussians 44th regiment attacks a rail embankment at Villers Bretonneux Date: 23 December 1870

The Cookers - near Villers-Bretonneux, Somme, 1918
The Cookers - near Villers-Bretonneux, Somme 1918, by Lieutenant W (Will) H Dyson (1880-1938), Australian Imperial Force. Dyson joined the Army

FRANCO-PRUSSIAN WAR: THE BATTLE OF AMIENS, FRANCE, 1870; 44th Prussian Infantry Storming Entrenchments, Retreating French Infantry, French Batteries, Villers Bretonneux

Franco-prussian War: The Battle Of Amiens, France, 1870; 44th Prussian Infantry Storming Entrenchments, Retreating French Infantry, French Batteries, Villers Bretonneux

General Sir John Monash, Australian army officer
General Sir John Monash (1865-1931), officer of the Australian 3rd Division, seen here at his headquarters in Glisy, Villers-Bretonneux, northern France, towards the end of the First World War

Franco-Pruss / Bretonneux
Battle of Amiens during the Franco-Prussian War: the Prussians 44th regiment attacks a rail embankment at Villers Bretonneux

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"Bretonneux: A Battlefield of Resilience and Triumph" In the midst of the chaos that engulfed World War I, Bretonneux emerged as a symbol of Australian courage and determination. It was here that Australian troops launched a remarkable counter-attack at Amiens, turning the tide in favor of the Allies. The Battle of Amiens witnessed an extraordinary feat - the capture of a formidable German Railway gun. This victory not only dealt a blow to enemy forces but also showcased the resourcefulness and bravery displayed by soldiers on both sides. Amidst the ravages of war, Villers-Bretonneaux Church Bells tolled solemnly, echoing through shattered landscapes. These bells became poignant reminders of hope amidst despair, their chimes offering solace to those caught in the crossfire. But Bretonneux's history extends beyond WWI; it bears witness to previous conflicts too. The Battle Amiens 1870 stands as a testament to France's resilience during times of adversity, with its people bravely defending their land against Prussian invaders. As if touched by destiny, Bretonneux found itself entwined with another significant chapter in history - The Cookers near Villers-Bretonneaux in Somme during 1918. These brave souls prepared meals for weary soldiers returning from battle while tanks stood defeated nearby - remnants from an earlier clash known as "the battle of tanks. " The echoes reverberate further back into time when Franco-Prussian War unfolded upon these very grounds. In 1870, French and Prussian forces clashed fiercely during The Battle Of Amiens. Courageous infantry stormed forward relentlessly, leaving an indelible mark on this historic town. Amongst those who led with unwavering resolve was General Sir John Monash – an esteemed Australian army officer whose strategic brilliance played a pivotal role in shaping Bretonneux's fate during WWI. His leadership and tactical acumen inspired troops to achieve the impossible.