Sacrifice and Strategy: The Hard Lessons of Bullecourt, 1917

The Battles of Bullecourt, fought in April and May 1917, were two savage and costly engagements on the Western Front during the First World War. These actions formed part of the larger Allied push to penetrate the German Hindenburg Line — a formidable system of defences consisting of deep trenches, reinforced dugouts, fortified pillboxes, and dense belts of barbed wire, all carefully protected by around 140 kilometres of interlocking machine-gun positions.

In early 1917, the German Army undertook a strategic withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line. This move shortened their front line, allowing them to concentrate forces and resources while occupying an extensively prepared defensive position. Among the key strongpoints absorbed into this line was the village of Bullecourt, situated in northern France. Its location made it a prime target for Allied attacks aiming to breach the line and threaten German control of the region.

The First Battle of Bullecourt began on 11 April 1917. The assault was led by the 4th Australian Division, supported by British forces from the 62nd Division. Rather than relying on a preliminary artillery bombardment to destroy enemy defences and suppress resistance, the plan called for a novel approach. A dozen tanks were tasked with clearing paths through the wire and neutralising German strongpoints, providing cover for the advancing infantry.

However, this plan proved deeply flawed. Tanks at this stage of the war were experimental and unreliable. Many broke down before reaching the front lines, while others were destroyed by enemy fire. Without the expected mechanical support and lacking the cover typically provided by a preparatory artillery barrage, the infantry were exposed to intense machine-gun and artillery fire as they crossed no man’s land.

Despite these dire conditions, the attacking troops advanced with determination. Some even managed to break into the German trenches and engage in fierce hand-to-hand fighting. But without adequate support or reinforcement, they were gradually pushed back by relentless German counterattacks. After less than ten hours of combat, the assault collapsed. The result was catastrophic. Over 3,000 Australians were killed or wounded, and more than 1,100 were taken prisoner — the largest number of Australians captured in a single engagement during the war. The failure left deep scars on the morale of the Australian and British forces involved.

Undeterred by the first disaster, the British high command planned a renewed offensive against Bullecourt one month later. The Second Battle of Bullecourt began on 3 May 1917 and continued for over two weeks. This time, a more conventional approach was adopted, with artillery playing a significant role in the preparation and execution of the attack. The infantry, again led by Australian divisions alongside British units, faced stubborn resistance from the well-entrenched German defenders.

Fighting was intense and often close-quarters, as the attackers clawed their way through belts of wire, shell craters, and interlinked trench systems. The weather, terrain, and German defensive tactics made progress painfully slow and costly. Despite the heavy losses, the attacking forces eventually succeeded in capturing and holding key sections of the German line around Bullecourt.

The Second Battle, while achieving its immediate objectives, came at a staggering cost. Combined casualties were estimated to exceed 7,000, with the Australians again bearing a significant portion of the toll. The gains were modest, and the battle became a symbol of the grim arithmetic of attritional warfare that defined the Western Front.

Today, the name Bullecourt stands as a solemn reminder of the brutal reality of war. The courage, endurance, and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought there continue to shape the way Australians remember their wartime heritage. These battles, marked by flawed strategy and immense bravery, offer enduring lessons on the importance of leadership, planning, and the terrible cost of war. Their legacy is a commitment to remembrance and the ongoing pursuit of peace.