A defensive engagement on the Western Front in which Australian forces repulsed a German counter-attack near Morlancourt during the final phase of the Spring Offensive.
Key Facts
- Date range
- 4–14 May 1918
- Front
- Western Front, World War I
- Attacking force (initial)
- Australian 9th Brigade
- German defending force
- German 199th Division
- German counter-attack target
- Australian 5th Brigade
- Context
- Final stages of the German Spring Offensive
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the final stages of the German Spring Offensive in May 1918, Australian forces of the 9th Brigade launched a series of peaceful penetration raids to advance their lines around Morlancourt against the German 199th Division. Both sides subsequently rotated their forces in the area following these initial actions.
The Second Battle of Morlancourt, fought 4–14 May 1918 on the Western Front, began with Australian 9th Brigade raids advancing Allied lines around Morlancourt. After force rotations, the German side launched a counter-attack targeting the Australian 5th Brigade, which was ultimately repulsed and the line held.
The Australian forces successfully held the line around Morlancourt until June 1918, when the Third Battle of Morlancourt followed. Australians eventually secured the Morlancourt spur, consolidating their positions on the Somme in preparation for the Allied Hundred Days Offensive.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent