162-556: Lieutenant General Sir Stanley George Savige , KBE , CB , DSO , MC , ED (26 June 1890 – 15 May 1954) was an Australian Army soldier and officer who served in the First World War and Second World War. In March 1915, after the outbreak of the First World War, Savige enlisted in the First Australian Imperial Force . He served in the ranks during
324-644: A Companion of the Order of the Bath for his services in the Salamaua campaign. His citation read: Maj-Gen. Savige had control of the Battle for Salamaua from 30 Jun. 43 till his relief on 26 Aug. 43. The battle was finally won on 11 Sep. 43—the credit for victory must rest with Maj-Gen. Savige during whose period of command, the back of the enemy's defence was broken. The nature of the country rendered great assistance to
486-542: A battle group to each Regular manoeuvre brigade during the ready phase of the force generation cycle: Battle Groups Cannan (11th and 13th Brigades), Jacka (4th and 9th Brigades) and Waratah (5th and 8th Brigades). On 24 July 2015, members of the 2nd Division marked 100 years of service with a national parade at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. In 2017–2018, the 8th Brigade became responsible for
648-670: A brief rest, the 2nd Division again relieved the Australian 1st Division from its position beyond Pozières (in front of Mouquet Farm ) on 22 August (the Battle of Mouquet Farm ). Attacking on 26 August, the 2nd Division succeeded in penetrating past the fortifications at Mouquet Farm only to be attacked from the rear as troops from the German Guards Reserve Corps emerged from the fortified underground positions at Mouquet Farm. These counterattacks succeeded in forcing
810-474: A brigade from the 1st Division. On 5 November, the 7th Brigade attacking the German series of trenches called "The Maze". While part of the German trenches were captured and held, the exhausted soldiers were ejected from their gains a few days later. Two battalions of the 7th Brigade, along with two battalions from the 5th, attacked again on 14 November, but they were only partially successful in capturing parts of
972-438: A commander can pick a good man, give him a job to do and stand behind him, that is all that matters. If he doesn't stand behind him, he's a bad commander. If anybody can prove to me that Savige has ever let me down, then Savige won't be there." John Hetherington Once again, Savige would not escape controversy. In this case, difficulties arose from the fact that Herring failed to make it clear to Savige and Wilton exactly what
1134-603: A commander like General Savige, who was not only deeply imbued with the doctrine of aggressiveness which was an AIF article of faith in both world wars but also burning to end his military career in a swirl of action,"" wrote correspondent John Hetherington, Savige's orders "were invitingly flexible." GHQ reckoned that there were no more than 12,000 Japanese left on Bougainville, while LHQ estimated 25,000. Actually, more than 40,000 Japanese were still alive on Bougainville in November 1944. Savige's sixth and last campaign of
1296-591: A commissioner of the State Savings Bank of Victoria . Stanley Savige was born on 26 June 1890, in Morwell, Victoria , the eldest of eight children to Samuel Savige, a butcher, and his wife Ann Nora, née Walmsley. Stan Savige left Korumburra State School at the age of twelve to work as a blacksmith's striker . While at Korumburra, he enlisted in the school junior cadets as a bugler . The family moved to Prahran, Victoria , in 1907, where Savige worked at
1458-617: A daughter, Gwendolyn Lesley, who was born in 1920. Savige also raised his two nephews, Stanley James and William, after his sister Hilda died in 1924. Savige had to struggle to re-establish himself in civilian life. He was unemployed for a time before finding work with a Melbourne wholesale firm. In 1923 he became sole agent for the Returned Soldiers' Mill in Geelong . He was successful as a salesman and eventually became sole agent for all of Australia. In 1930, he ran unsuccessfully for
1620-408: A demonstration on the right, the 2/5th Infantry Battalion , reinforced by part of the 2/7th Infantry Battalion , attempted to follow up the 16th Infantry Brigade's attack, with the remainder of the 2/7th in reserve. The brigade had to move in four directions at once. The plan soon went wrong, as the 2/5th in particular suffered a series of mishaps. By nightfall, Colonel Frank Berryman,
1782-567: A group of ex-servicemen met to say farewell to one of their number who was about to go to England. Savige used this opportunity to bring up the idea of a club similar to Gellibrand's Remembrance Club. After several informal meetings, the Melbourne club's inaugural meeting was held in Anzac House, Melbourne. Legacy Australia was founded as an ex-servicemen's club, but soon became a charitable organisation focusing on war widows and orphans. For
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#17327839093771944-487: A hasty attack on the fortified village of Noreuil , which was beaten back with over 300 casualties. However, the next attack on the fortified village of Lagnicourt on 26 March was successful, with the German counter-attack on the same day defeated by the Australians. Soon after, the 2nd Division was relieved by Australian 4th Division. This formation conducted a second attack on the fortified village of Noreuil, which
2106-519: A major general, arrived in Port Moresby. Berryman was sent forward to visit Savige and evaluate his performance, with a brief to pass judgement on Savige's conduct of the campaign—and relieve him if necessary. Although "it was an open secret that Berryman had a very low opinion of Savige's military competence", after surveying the situation for himself, Berryman was forced to admit to Wilton that he "never thought that he would have to admit that Savige
2268-539: A notable success in the Battle of Damour , which he rated as his most successful battle of the war, although his conduct was not above criticism by Berryman, who felt that Savige had located his headquarters too far back, resulting in failure to seize an important opportunity. Ultimately, though, this had no significant impact on the battle. By June 1941, Blamey had become concerned about Savige's health. A thorough medical examination in August declared that Savige had reached
2430-671: A number of night patrols into no man's land . On 12 April, he became battalion intelligence officer and he was promoted to lieutenant on 1 May. Coming to the attention of his brigade commander, Brigadier General John Gellibrand , Savige was attached to 6th Infantry Brigade headquarters as a trainee brigade intelligence officer. "We expected a lot of the new B. I. O.," Gellibrand later recalled, "and we got it." Savige served in operations at Pozières and Mouquet Farm in July and August 1916. At one point he ran through heavy shellfire on an errand. The orderly who went into it with him
2592-498: A number of other three-star-equivalent positions in the Australian Defence Organisation , but these are all held by civilians. This along with the * (asterisk) indicates that the officer was subsequently promoted to general . This along with the + (plus sign) indicates that the officer retired with the honorary rank of lieutenant general. This along with
2754-536: A patron of a number of his former units' associations, and honorary colonel of the 5th Battalion ( Victorian Scottish Regiment ). Lieutenant general (Australia) Lieutenant general (abbreviated LTGEN and pronounced 'lef-tenant general') is the second-highest active rank of the Australian Army . It was created as a direct equivalent of the British military rank of lieutenant general , and
2916-867: A period from 1960 to 1965, the division has existed in one form or another since then. The Australian 2nd Division was formed from reinforcements training in Egypt on 26 July 1915 as part of the Australian Imperial Force , which has been raised to fight in World War I. The division was formed from three brigades – the 5th , 6th and 7th – that had been raised independently in Australia (in February and April 1915), and sent to Egypt (in May and June 1915) for further training. Initially, it
3078-640: A plan to send a force of hand-picked British officers and NCOs to organise any remaining Russian forces or civilians who were ready to fight the Turkish forces. A request for Australian officers to participate was sent to the commander of the Australian Corps , General Sir William Birdwood . Some twenty officers, drawn from "the cream of the cream" of Australian leaders, were chosen, including Savige. This force became known as Dunsterforce after its commander, Major General Lionel Charles Dunsterville ,
3240-401: A rest period that lasted until late September. On 23 September, the 19th, 21st and 25th Battalions were ordered to disband to make up the strength of the other battalions in their brigades, as the division moved towards the nine battalion structure used by the British. The decision proved unpopular with the troops, who wished to maintain their battalion identities, and the soldiers refused to obey
3402-474: A small party sent to protect the rear of the column of refugees, he by his resource and able dispositions kept off the enemy, who were in greatly superior numbers. He hung on to position after position until nearly surrounded, and on each occasion extricated his command most skilfully. His cool determination and fine example inspired his men, and put heart into the frightened refugees. For his services in Iran, Savige
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#17327839093773564-477: A special parade at Edsaya in Syria on 15 December 1941. At the time his next post was to have been Director of Recruiting and Propaganda in Australia. Savige arrived in Australia on 5 January 1942 to find that his new appointment had been changed to commander of the 3rd Division, and he was promoted to the rank of major general two days later. The outbreak of war with Japan prompted a wholesale reorganisation of
3726-470: A stage of complete exhaustion. Blamey therefore decided to send Savige and Brigadier J. J. Murray back to Australia on a recruiting campaign as "a graceful way of retiring with honour two officers who have done useful work in the Middle East but seemed to him unequal to the severe physical demands of fast-moving modern warfare". Savige said goodbye to the three battalions of the 17th Brigade at
3888-422: A vacancy at I Corps, for which General Blamey nominated both Vasey and Savige, but, "having regard to their respective careers", recommended the latter. Army Minister Frank Forde queried Blamey's recommendation, and asked who was the senior officer. Blamey explained that Savige was senior to Vasey—although not as senior as Arthur "Tubby" Allen , James Cannan or Eric Plant . Blamey pointed out that seniority
4050-661: A variety of jobs and served in the Prahran senior cadets for 18 months, from 1907 to 1909. He became a scoutmaster , forming the First Yarra Troop. Savige was an active member of the South Yarra Baptist Church, where he was a Sunday school teacher. Through his church activities, Savige met Lilian Stockton, to whom he became engaged on New Year's Day , 1914. Savige enlisted in the First Australian Imperial Force (AIF) on 6 March 1915, and
4212-631: Is considered a three-star rank . The rank of lieutenant general is held by the Chief of Army . The rank is also held when an army officer is the Vice Chief of the Defence Force , the Chief of Joint Operations , or the Chief of Joint Capabilities . The Chief of Capability Development Group , disestablished in 2016, also carried three-star rank. Lieutenant general is a higher rank than major general , but lower than general . Lieutenant general
4374-586: Is of the greatest importance to the Allied cause, and Maj-Gen. Savige by his fine leadership has made a very real contribution to the ultimate success of the United nations. The victories won over the enemy at the battles for Mubo and Komiatum were due to his well conceived plans and energetic execution. In February 1944, the appointment of Herring as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria led to
4536-603: Is the equivalent of vice admiral in the Royal Australian Navy and air marshal in the Royal Australian Air Force . The insignia for a lieutenant general is the Crown of St Edward above a crossed sword and baton. The first Australian lieutenant general was Sir Harry Chauvel in 1917. From 1 January 1909 to 18 February 1997, the most senior Australian Army position was named Chief of
4698-747: The 3rd Division in the Salamaua–Lae campaign . He ultimately rose to the rank of lieutenant general in the Australian Army, commanding the II Corps in the Bougainville Campaign . In later life, Savige was a director of Olympic Tyre & Rubber Ltd from 1946 to 1951 and chairman of Moran & Cato Ltd from 1950 to 1951. He was also chairman of the Central War Gratuity Board from 1946 to 1951, and
4860-613: The 5th in New South Wales, the 11th in Queensland, the 13th in Western Australia, and the 8th spread across the country. The division is also responsible for the security of Australia's northern borders through its Regional Force Surveillance Units . The division was first formed in Egypt in July 1915 during World War I as part of the First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF). The division took part in
5022-498: The 9th Brigade , replaced Smyth as the 2nd Division commander. On 10 June, the 7th Brigade conducted an attack over a 3,000 yards (2,700 m) frontage between Morlancourt and Sailly-Laurette during the Third Battle of Morlancourt , and succeeded in advancing an average depth of 700 yards (640 m), with approximately 350 casualties and the capture of 325 Germans, 30 machineguns and six trench mortars. This attack revealed
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5184-564: The Battle of Greece . Although the campaign had raised doubts about his suitability for command—mostly resulting from his performance at Bardia, but also with regard to the running feud with Vasey, Berryman and Robertson—Savige was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire . His citation read: Brigadier Savige commanded the 17th Aust. Inf. Bde in the Battles of Bardia (3–5 Jan) Tobruk (21–22 Jan), Derna (24–31 Jan), and
5346-665: The Battle of Wau left the 17th Infantry Brigade—now under Brigadier Murray Moten —at Wau as the only troops in contact with the enemy in the South West Pacific Area . Herring, now in command of New Guinea Force, ordered Savige to threaten the Japanese position at Salamaua ; the result was the Salamaua–Lae campaign . Despite the rugged conditions, Savige led from the front. He visited forward positions and flew over frontline areas wearing his scarlet general's cap band to let his men—and any Japanese sniper—know that
5508-562: The British 3rd Infantry Division between 29 September and 1 October, the 2nd Division's task in the Battle of Broodseinde was to advance 1,800 to 1,900 yd (1,600 to 1,700 m), and to capture one of the ridgelines which dominated the Ypres Salient . On 4 October, as the division was forming up for its attack, a heavy German bombardment fell on their assembly area, causing heavy casualties. A German attack then started at almost
5670-660: The Gallipoli Campaign , and received a commission . He later served on the Western Front , where he was twice recommended for the Military Cross for bravery. In 1918, he joined Dunsterforce and served in the Caucasus Campaign , during which he was instrumental in protecting thousands of Assyrian refugees. He subsequently wrote a book, Stalky's Forlorn Hope , about his experiences. After
5832-570: The Gallipoli campaign , arriving in the latter stages and then traversed to the Western Front in France and Belgium where it had the distinction of taking part in the final ground action fought by Australian troops in the war. After the war ended and the AIF was demobilised, the 2nd Division name was revived and assigned to a Citizens Military Forces (reserve) unit in 1921. During the inter-war years,
5994-480: The German 38th Division ), the 6th Brigade succeeded in capturing Mont St. Quentin. The attack continued on 2 September, with the 7th Brigade attacking east from Mont St. Quentin, extending the Allied lines beyond the high ground while elements of the 5th Division took the remaining part of Péronne. By 4 September, the 2nd Division was relieved by the 3rd Division for the pursuit beyond Peronne. It subsequently began
6156-630: The German withdrawal to the prepared fortifications in the Hindenburg Line ), elements of the 2nd Division were active in engaging the German rearguard as it fell back to the first fortified reserve position known to the British as the Loupart-Le Transloy Line , or the R.I. Stellung by the Germans. The Germans had decided to temporarily hold the R.I. position, which was centred on the village of Bapaume, so on 25 February,
6318-622: The Second Battle of Morlancourt . On 19 May, elements of the division (mostly from 6th Brigade) attacked the Germans on either side of the village of Ville-sur-Ancre (an advance of approximately 1,000 yards (910 m)). Despite coming up against fresh troops who were anticipating the attack, the Australians succeeded in capturing the village, albeit at cost of 418 casualties. Against this, the Germans suffered 800 casualties, as well as 330 prisoners and 45 machine guns. On 22 May, Major General Charles Rosenthal , who had previously commanded
6480-466: The Somme sector to the Hindenburg Line . Gellibrand was in temporary command of the 2nd Division, which at this time was opposite the village of Warlencourt . Patrols from the 6th Infantry Brigade found Warlencourt empty and occupied it unopposed. The 24th Infantry Battalion kept in contact with the Germans as they pulled back. On 13 March, the 24th Infantry battalion—now responsible for
6642-609: The Syria–Lebanon Campaign . One of its problems was that it was trying to fight three battles with only two brigades, because the 18th Infantry Brigade that was normally part of the division was engaged in the siege of Tobruk . Accordingly, Savige's 17th Infantry Brigade headquarters was brought in to provide the 7th Division with a third brigade headquarters. Savige was given three battalions that had never worked together before—the 2/3rd and 2/5th Infantry Battalions and 2/2nd Pioneer Battalion. He scored
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6804-741: The Victorian Legislative Assembly Electoral district of Caulfield on the Nationalist Party of Australia ticket. In 1923, Gellibrand founded the Remembrance Club in Hobart , with the aim of encouraging returned servicemen in business. Savige visited Gellibrand in Hobart during August 1923, and Gellibrand urged him to set up a similar club in Melbourne. Soon after Savige's return to Melbourne,
6966-484: The "Gird" and "Gird Support" trenches immediately to the north of "The Maze". However, a German counterattack on 16 November succeeded in recapturing all of the trenches captured by the 2nd Division, which had sustained 1,720 casualties in the two attacks. In January 1917, Legge fell ill and was replaced by Major-General Nevill Maskelyne Smyth VC who had formerly commanded the Australian 1st Brigade since during
7128-506: The 1990s, following the disbandment of the 3rd Division, the 2nd Division became the main Army Reserve formation, assuming command of several other brigade-level elements. The 7th Brigade transferred its Reserve personnel to the division (mainly to the 11th Brigade) in 2011 as that brigade became a completely Regular formation of Forces Command. In September 2014, the division received the three Regional Force Surveillance Units from
7290-469: The 19th and 20th – was conducted on 7 April, and while it succeeded in clearing Hangard Wood (at a cost of 151 casualties), the position that the attacking troops were expected to fortify was poorly sited, and as a result the attacking troops retreated to their starting positions. Another attack was planned, this time in conjunction with the French First Army , with the objective of eliminating
7452-402: The 1st Division. The attack was strongest along the divisional boundary between the 1st and 2nd Divisions, and as a result the Germans managed to penetrate between the 17th Battalion and the neighbouring 12th Battalion and capture the village of Lagnicourt. Counterattacks by the 5th Brigade (2nd Division) and 3rd Brigade (1st Division) managed to drive off the attacking Germans, and re-establish
7614-497: The 24th Infantry Battalion from 1 August 1928 to 31 May 1935, and the 10th Infantry Brigade from 1 June 1935 to 12 October 1939. Along the way, he was promoted to major on 1 July 1924, lieutenant colonel on 1 July 1926, colonel on 1 June 1935, and brigadier on 1 May 1938. His promotion, while neither meteoric nor exceptional, was still far faster than that enjoyed by regular officers like Frank Berryman , Horace Robertson , or George Alan Vasey , who had been majors in
7776-508: The 2nd Division back from Mouquet Farm. After sustaining another 1,268 casualties, the 2nd Division was relieved by the Australian 4th Division on 26 August. On 5 September, I Anzac was withdrawn from the Somme and sent to Ypres for rest. The division anticipated spending winter in Flanders . Throughout early October, the division undertook a number of minor raids in the sector, but in
7938-411: The 2nd Division relieved the Australian 4th Division from in front of Bullecourt (a front of approximately 2,750 yd (2,510 m) on 13 April. As such, when the Germans launched a counter-stroke on 15 April in front of the village of Lagnicourt (the Battle of Lagnicourt ), part of it fell on the 17th Battalion (which was holding the right flank of the 2nd Division), with the remainder falling on
8100-434: The 2nd and 3rd Divisions at 8:20 am, and continued on to the "Red Line". The soldiers of the 2nd Division held their positions (one brigade in the original front line, the other two brigades on the "Green Line"), digging in until released at 11:15 to rejoin the attack. On 9–11 August, as part of the advance from Harbonnieres towards Lihons, the division continued its attack. Relieving the 5th Division, which had carried
8262-472: The 5th and 6th Brigades mounted an unsuccessful attack on the "Malt" trench – an outpost in front of the R.I. position. Continual small attacks were conducted on the Malt Trench through 26 and 27 February, with a larger attack attempted on the 27th and 28th by the 7th Brigade. However, as the wire defences were undamaged, little headway could be made. It was not until 2 March, when a combined attack
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#17327839093778424-531: The 5th, 8th and 14th Brigades. In 1960, the division was disbanded with the advent of the Pentropic organisation scheme that was based around the five element battle group . The division was revived in 1965 when the Pentropic organisation was abandoned. Upon being re-raised, the division consisted of two brigade-level formations: the 5th and 8th Task Forces; these reverted to brigade-designations in 1982. In
8586-465: The 6th Brigade, and as of late 2014, the division included over 11,000 Reservists. In January 2015, Major General Stephen Porter took over command of the division. Under the Army's Plan Beersheba reforms, the 4th and 9th Brigades were paired with the regular 1st Brigade; 5th and 8th Brigades with the regular 7th Brigade; and the 11th and 13th Brigades with the regular 3rd Brigade , tasked with providing
8748-467: The 6th Brigade. To secure the 6th Brigade's left flank, the 7th Brigade, as the divisional reserve attacked. The 6th Brigade held its position against numerous counterattacks, until relieved by elements of the 1st Division on 4 May. As they were withdrawn, a fourth counter-attack fell on the area, at which point the 6th rejoined the battle, helping to blunt this assault before finally departing. Further attacks were conducted on 4 May and 6 May by brigades of
8910-579: The AIF but remained at that rank for nearly twenty years, only to find themselves junior to Militia officers like Savige. For his part, Savige was a critic of the regulars. While commander of 10th Infantry Brigade, he insisted that Royal Military College, Duntroon graduates serve first as platoon commanders before assuming staff posts, so they could acquire an understanding of the men. He wrote to Gellibrand: [Staff Corps] men are taken in hand at an early age and trained only to be soldiers. In peace they are chiefly military clerks with an ability to repeat
9072-607: The AIF. In the whole line of battle from Vimy to near Quéant , theirs had been almost the only success." Savige was mentioned in despatches for Bullecourt, and recommended for the Military Cross . His citation read: For conspicuous gallantry in action at the Hindenburg Line on 3rd May 1917. After assisting to reorganise a party of broken infantry he acted as staff officer to the Senior Officer in
9234-511: The Allies assumed the offensive in the Pacific, the threat to Australia diminished, allowing for a reduction in garrison forces. Subsequently, the division prepared for active service in the Australian territory of New Guinea . In early 1943, the 13th Brigade was detached, and the 2nd Brigade became part of the division until August 1943, when it was sent to Darwin. Following this, the 8th Brigade
9396-414: The Australian 1st Division on their right and the 9th (Scottish) Division on their left, the 2nd Division advanced an average of 1,000 yards (910 m), with the 5th Brigade on the left, and the 7th on the right. The division sustained 2,259 casualties, and was relieved on 22 September by the Australian 4th Division, which then continued the offensive in the next the Battle of Polygon Wood . Relieving
9558-415: The Australian 1st Division that were attached to the 2nd Division, supported by elements of the 2nd Division, resulted in the capture of most of the first line of trenches. After repulsing a total of six German counterattacks, the 5th Division arrived on 8/9 May, continuing the fighting until 17 May. For its part, the fighting around Bullecourt had cost the 2nd Division 3,898 casualties. The 2nd Division
9720-533: The Australian 2nd Division captured one of the most formidable defensive positions on the Western Front, the 2nd Division's memorial was unconventional. Instead of an obelisk such as at the other four AIF divisional memorials, the original memorial which was unveiled in 1925 was a statue of an Australian soldier bayoneting a German eagle sprawled at his feet. However, this statue was removed and destroyed by German soldiers in 1940 during World War II, leaving only
9882-550: The Australian 5th Division on 1 October, the 2nd Division's was to attack, along with the Australian 1st Division and the American 27th and 30th Divisions , and breach the Beaurevoir Line, opening a gap for the cavalry to exploit. The 2nd Division attacked the Beaurevoir Line on 3 October, with two brigades (the 5th and 7th) totalling 2,500 men on an frontage of 6,000 yards (5,500 m). Starting out from Estrees,
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#173278390937710044-421: The Australian 5th Division on 27 October, and continued to hold the line along the Broodseinde Ridge, conducting patrols into no man's land, until all of the Australian divisions (grouped into an all Australian Corps from November 1917) were transferred south to Flanders, centred on the town of Messines , where they spent the winter. During this period, the 2nd Division occupied the front around Ploegsteert, in
10206-401: The Australian Corps on 19 April. As the Spring Offensive ground to a halt, the 2nd Division was relieved by the 47th Division on 2 May, and became the reserve division for the Australian Corps. After resting, the division relieved the Australian 3rd Division opposite Morlancourt on 11 May, and continued the peaceful penetration operations that had been started by the 3rd Division during
10368-412: The Australians to maintain contact with the Germans while not being too aggressive. Nevertheless, the 2nd Division kept advancing along the south bank of the Somme River capturing various villages such as Herbécourt , Flaucourt , Barleux and – despite a stiff defence – Biaches . With German morale declining, the division was ordered to advance towards Péronne and Mont St. Quentin , with
10530-414: The Citizen Military Forces were re-formed, firstly by voluntary enlistment but then by a mixture of voluntary and compulsory national service from 1951 to 1957, and then 1965 to 1972, when national service was abolished. The 2nd Division was formed again as the main CMF formation in New South Wales, initially consisting of the 5th, 7th and 8th Brigades, although in 1953 it was reorganised and consisted of
10692-551: The French commanders with a deal: the Australians would capture the ground, which would then be defended by French units. As the Germans were now starting to dig stronger fortifications, peaceful penetration was becoming more difficult to conduct. As a result, a small-scale attack was carried out on 17 July by only two battalions – the 25th and 26th – advancing the line by 500 yards (460 m) with 129 casualties, and inflicting at least 303 German casualties. Due to their vulnerable southern flank, no further advances were possible until
10854-422: The French forces south of the 2nd Division advanced. French patrols on 18 July advanced their line, but it remained a mile behind the neighbouring 2nd Division. The peaceful penetration conducted over the previous two weeks had pushed the line forward by an average of 1,000 yards (910 m) over a frontage of 4,500 yards (4,100 m), at a cost of 437 casualties, and had achieved all of the objectives set down for
11016-454: The Gallipoli campaign. Legge returned to Australia to take up the post of Inspector General. However, until Smyth was available, the division was temporarily commanded by the 6th Brigade commander, Brigadier-General John Gellibrand . During this period, the division took part in the operations on the Ancre , participating in the capture of Thilloys. The 2nd Division was relieved by the Australian 5th Division; however, by late February (during
11178-447: The General Staff . The first Australian to occupy this position was Colonel William Throsby Bridges . The first Australian lieutenant general to occupy this position was Sir Brudenell White , from 1 June 1920. Since August 1940, this position, and its successor (Chief of Army), have been held by Australian lieutenant generals. In March 1958, the role of Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee was created, but with no command authority. This
11340-415: The German position intact. The division sustained approximately 3,500 casualties for little gain. After several days of disrupted preparations, the 2nd Division attacked again in the evening of 4 August, capturing the OG2 trench line and part of the crest. Alarmed by the loss of the defences (including the crest), the Germans initiated a counter-attack the following day, which the Australians repulsed. This
11502-449: The German salient and capture the village of Hamel as well as the Hamel and Vaire Woods. In preparation, the 2nd Division relieved the Australian 3rd Division on 28/29 June. The Australian divisions were heavily depleted, so it was decided that the upcoming Battle of Hamel would involve units from three Australian divisions (the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Australian Divisions), with the 2nd Division temporarily placing its left brigade (the 6th) under
11664-404: The Germans had already withdrawn to the second reserve position R.II. Stellung centred on the crest of the ridge beyond Bapaume. R.II. was evacuated by the Germans on 17 March, as they withdrew to the Hindenburg Line. Starting on 17 March 1917, the 2nd Division was reorganised to pursue the German withdrawal, with the 6th Brigade chosen to lead the pursuit. On 20 March, the 6th Brigade attempted
11826-454: The Reserve of Officers on 6 June. Resuming his business interests, he was a director of Olympic Tyre & Rubber Ltd from 1946 to 1951 and chairman of Moran & Cato Ltd from 1950 to 1951. He was also chairman of the Central War Gratuity Board from 1946 to 1951 and from 1951 a commissioner of the State Savings Bank of Victoria . He was a leader in Melbourne's Anzac Day marches,
11988-523: The Second Battle of Bullecourt from April–May 1917. He was mentioned in despatches a second time for his role in the Battle of Passchendaele , although he was originally recommended for a bar to his Military Cross. His citation read: For conspicuous gallantry. On the night of the 3rd/4th Oct. he assisted in laying out jumping-off and direction tapes at Zonnebeke on which the attacking battalions formed up. He then checked their correctness —This
12150-594: The Somme. Upon reaching the Somme on 4 April, the leading brigade (the 5th) was detached to relieve the troops around Villers-Bretonneux , while the rest of the division (under the command of the British Third Army ) relieved the Australian 4th Division, which had just fought the First and Second Battles of Dernancourt . The detached 5th Brigade (under the command of the British Fourth Army )
12312-538: The Turks, Savige discovered tens of thousands of fleeing Assyrian refugees. He deployed a small group of volunteers from his own force, along with refugees, to form a rearguard to hold back the Persians and Kurds who were murdering the refugees and carrying off the young girls as slaves. Official Historian Charles Bean later wrote that: The stand made by Savige and his eight companions that evening and during half of
12474-575: The ^ (arrowhead) indicates that the officer is a currently serving lieutenant general. The following people have held the rank of lieutenant general in the Australian Army: 2nd Division (Australia) The 2nd Division of the Australian Army , also known as the 2nd (Australian) Division , commands all the Reserve brigades in Australia. These are the 4th in Victoria and Tasmania,
12636-669: The battalions were extremely under strength (for example, the front line strength of the 24th Battalion was only 193 men), it meant that there were equal numbers of Australians and Americans in the front line. In August, the Allies launched their own (the start of the offensive , which ultimately ended the war. On 8 August, the 2nd Division commenced the Battle of Amiens , attacking (with the Australian 3rd Division) from its position near Villers-Bretonneux. The 2nd Division reached its objective (the "Green Line") between 6:25 and 7 am, and started to dig in. The second wave of Australian troops (the Australian 4th and 5th Divisions) moved through
12798-499: The battle were approximately 2,000, of which approximately 1,600 were captured), and included 177 machineguns and 32 trench mortars. The division continued peaceful penetration operations on its front and by 11 July had advanced its front line by approximately 200 yards (180 m). This aided a planned offensive whose objective was to capture more of the Villers-Bretonneux plateau. The continued peaceful penetrations on
12960-405: The captured position. In this capacity he displayed most commendable coolness, energy and ability, in securing reliable information as to the progress of the action. Savige was ultimately awarded the Military Cross on 1 January 1918, for both his "consistent good work and devotion to duty" in the period spanning 26 February to 17 March 1917 and his "coolness under fire and tenacity of purpose" during
13122-408: The casualties sustained by the Australian 1st Division's attack at Pozières on 23 July, it was replaced by the 2nd Division on 27 July. Continuing the effort started by the 1st Division, the 2nd Division attacked on 29 July. However, due to the hurried preparation, the troops forming up for the attack were detected and the supporting artillery proved inadequate, leaving large segments of wire in front of
13284-428: The command of the 4th Division for the attack. The 25th Battalion, detached from the 7th Brigade, also assisted. The attack at Hamel, conducted on 4 July, was a complete success, with the battle completed in only 93 minutes. The 2nd Division troops temporarily attached to the Australian 4th Division suffered only 246 casualties (out of a total of 1,380 Australian and American casualties). The total German casualties for
13446-401: The conditions on the ground deteriorated. When the next attack (the Battle of Poelcappelle ) started on 9 October the ground became difficult to traverse, resulting in difficulty bringing artillery and ammunition forward, and the troops becoming exhausted moving up to their starting positions prior to the start of the attack The 2nd Division's role was for the left brigade to advance to protect
13608-538: The contents of the little red books. Some of course get beyond that stage but they are few in number. Shortly after the outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939, Prime Minister Robert Menzies announced the decision to form a Second Australian Imperial Force . He further directed that all commands in the new 6th Division would go to militiamen. Lieutenant General Sir Thomas Blamey —who
13770-510: The corps, Savige relied on Wilton to supervise the training of the 3rd Division. The 3rd Division was alerted to move to New Guinea in February 1943, but Blamey did not initially intend for Savige to command it, for he felt that "it's very tough going up there", and he still had doubts about Savige's physical fitness. A thorough medical examination cleared the way, and Savige departed for Port Moresby in March 1943. The successful conclusion of
13932-490: The crest, although the Australians managed to hold on to a position just below the summit. The effort to take the Mont was later described by Rawlinson as "a magnificent performance...". Mont St. Quentin was attacked a second time in the morning of 1 September, this time by the Australian 6th Brigade, with its right flank protected by the Australian 14th Brigade (5th Division) capturing part of Péronne. Attacking against troops of
14094-432: The defender, and careful planning alone enabled the defences to be overcome. The supplying of our forward troops was also a terrific problem. Maj-Gen. Savige triumphed over all these difficulties, his men were kept supplied, they were encouraged to endure the most dreadful hardships, and to overcome great difficulties of terrain. Maj-Gen. Savige's plans were well conceived and he saw them carried through. The success achieved
14256-702: The designations of the two corps were exchanged, so that I Corps was still the corps in Australia and II Corps the one in New Guinea. On 20 April, II Corps was ordered to assume the designation and function of New Guinea Force and the existing headquarters of New Guinea Force in Port Moresby was broken up. Savige therefore assumed command of New Guinea Force, his new headquarters opening at Lae on 6 May. At this time, no major combat operations were taking place and activities were winding down in Australian New Guinea. New Guinea Force's main role
14418-607: The division received the Victoria Cross. On 1 April 1921, the AIF was officially disbanded. After this, Australia's part-time military forces were re-organised to perpetuate the numerical designations of the AIF. As a result, the division was reformed as a Citizens Military Forces/Militia (reserve) formation, consisting of the 5th, 9th and 14th Brigades , each of four infantry battalions: 4th, 20th, 36th, and 54th (5th Brigade); 1st, 19th, 34th, and 45th (9th Brigade); and 3rd, 53rd, 55th and 56th (14th Brigade). Defence spending
14580-418: The division was based in New South Wales with its headquarters Parramatta . During World War II, the 2nd Division undertook defensive duties on the east coast until mid-1942 when it was sent to Western Australia. In May 1944, the division was disbanded as the war situation no longer required large numbers of garrison troops to be held back in Australia. Post war, the division was re-raised in 1948, and except for
14742-468: The division was composed primarily of infantry units from New South Wales and its headquarters was based initially in Sydney , around Parramatta . When the war broke out in September 1939, the 2nd Division was commanded by Major General Iven Mackay . In 1940, the division's component brigades were reduced from four battalions to three, and units undertook short period of training to improve readiness as
14904-549: The division was partially mobilised. As the Militia was barred from overseas service, many members left the division to join the Second Australian Imperial Force . In July 1940, Major General James Cannan assumed command of the division until October when he handed over to Major General Herbert Lloyd . Following Japan's entry into the war, the Militia was called up for home defence. At this time,
15066-406: The division's main role was the defence of Sydney; however, after training around Bathurst, Walgrove and Greta, the division's brigades relieved those of the 1st Division in defence of Newcastle, so that those units could undertake collective training. This lasted until March 1942. In May 1942, the 14th Brigade (3rd, 36th, and 55th Battalions) was transferred to New Guinea Force , where they joined
15228-468: The divisional chief of staff, had reached the conclusion that the 17th Infantry Brigade had become too tired and disorganised for further effort. This was only partly due to enemy action; the rest was attributable to Berryman's own plan, which had dispersed the brigade and provided it with inadequate armoured and, in the final stages, artillery support. Savige also bore some of the blame, for failing to ensure that his subordinates understood and carried out
15390-455: The doings of his commands were usually more fully recorded than those of companion formations. Gavin Long At the Battle of Tobruk , Savige's 17th Infantry Brigade was again split up and given a secondary role. However, in the advance on Derna , the brigade managed to beat Robertson's 19th Infantry Brigade to Giovanni Berta . By late February, the campaign was over and Savige
15552-540: The ease in which a well-planned attack could be conducted, and also revealed that there was no major offensive planned on the Amiens front. As a result of the advances by the Australian Corps in front of Morlancourt, the southern flank was exposed to artillery fire from near the village of Hamel . In response to this and to provide support for a French attack south of Villers-Bretonneux, it was decided to attack
15714-423: The entire brigade front—found Grévillers empty and occupied it. By 17 March 1917, the trenches in front of Bapaume were empty and the 6th Infantry Brigade occupied its northern suburbs. In the Second Battle of Bullecourt during May 1917, the 6th Infantry Brigade managed to penetrate the Hindenburg Line but its hold was precarious, as the 5th Infantry Brigade on its flank had not been able to manage
15876-422: The entire salient south of Villers-Bretonneux. However, when the next stage of German offensive (the Battle of Lys ) started on 9 April, it drew off the British forces required to mount the attack. In addition, German attacks on 7 and 12 April had captured of the village of Hangard, and led to the abandonment of the Allied attack. However, it was decided that a small local attack would be mounted on 15 April, with
16038-566: The extent that the 22nd Battalion's four companies were each at platoon strength; nevertheless, it attacked over a large frontage of 1,000 yards (910 m), losing a further 117 men. The 2nd Division was relieved on 19 August by the 32nd British Division . After a short rest, the 2nd Division relieved the 1st Division on 26 August. As the Battle of Arras was to be the main effort of the British Expeditionary Force , General Henry Rawlinson (4th Army commander) ordered
16200-516: The fact that the division was only partially trained. There, they reinforced the 1st Division and the New Zealand and Australian Division . The rest of the division arrived by early September. The 2nd Division held a quiet stretch of the original line (as a majority of the fighting was taking place north of ANZAC Cove), and only a part of the division (the 18th Battalion ) saw serious fighting during around Hill 60 on 22 August. The 2nd Division
16362-513: The first phase, the 5th and 7th Brigades, reinforced by the 2nd Brigade (from the 1st Division), carried the advance in the second phase. Over the course of several days, Vauvillers , Framerville and Rainecourt were captured at a cost of 1,295 casualties or the division. The attacks post 9 August were hastily planned, with limited knowledge of the tactical situation, and lacked co-ordination between neighbouring units and supporting artillery. While supporting tanks made up for some of this, their use
16524-437: The flank of the 66th (2nd East Lancashire) Division . With the 6th and 7th Brigades heavily understrength (just 600 and 800 men each), and supported by a weak artillery barrage, the advance quickly stalled, and resulted in only small gains at a cost of 1,253 casualties. As a result of the exhaustion of the troops, the 2nd Division was relieved for the final effort around Passchendaele on 12 October. The 2nd Division relieved
16686-442: The forces in Australia and Savige was one of a number of officers with experience in the Middle East who was promoted and given command of a Home Army formation. Savige threw himself into the task of preparing his command for the war, weeding out the physically unfit and incompetent. By May, he had removed some 60 officers. Replacing them was another matter. The division was at less than half strength when Savige assumed command and
16848-479: The forces, was created in 2003. Lieutenant General John Caligari was the final officer of three-star rank to hold the position before it was disestablished in 2016 In September 2007, a fourth three-star position, Chief of Joint Operations , was created. There are two other permanent three-star positions in the Australian Defence Force, Chief of Navy and Chief of Air Force . There are also
17010-542: The front lines wearing his scarlet cap band and flying his car flag. He also maintained his concern for, and rapport with, the ordinary soldiers under his command. The final campaign on Bougainville cost 516 Australian lives. Some 8,500 Japanese were killed while 9,800 died of other causes, leaving 23,571 still alive when the war ended. On 8 September 1945, Savige accepted their surrender at Torokina . From October 1945 to May 1946, Savige served as co-ordinator of demobilisation and dispersal . He transferred to
17172-482: The garrison around Port Moresby . Initially assigned to II Corps , in July, the 2nd Division was transferred to III Corps , for the defence of Western Australia, relieving the 4th Division around Guildford, Western Australia . The 5th Brigade (54th, 56th and 44th Battalions, the latter being a Western Australian unit) and 8th Brigade (4th, 30th and 35th Battalions) were joined by the 13th Brigade (the 11th, 16th, and 28th Battalions, all from Western Australia). As
17334-404: The general was on the job. "I know," Blamey replied to a senior staff officer who was urging him to drop Savige, "they say I stick with him because he's my friend. Tell me when he has let me down in this war!" The anti-Savige advocate mentioned a tale which was going about: it was not Savige but a subordinate commander who was doing the real job. "Somebody's got to do the job," Blamey answered. "If
17496-590: The inspiration for the titular character of Rudyard Kipling 's novel Stalky & Co. Dunsterforce arrived in Baku in August 1918. It was hoped that, from the Christian Georgian , Armenian and Assyrian people who had supported the Russians and historically feared the Turks, Dunsterforce could raise an army to contain the Turks but "the task proved superhuman". Following the capture of Urmia by
17658-461: The intention of capturing Mont St. Quentin. The latter dominated the surrounding terrain, and was heavily fortified. The initial plan for the Battle of Mont St. Quentin was for the 2nd Division, along with the Australian 3rd and the British 32nd Divisions, to attack to the east, and cross the Somme River near Péronne, before the 2nd Division continued on to take Mont St. Quentin. However, it
17820-457: The intention of capturing the cemetery and a copse north of Hangard village. One battalion – the 18th – from the 5th Brigade was to capture the copse, while the French secured the cemetery. In the end, the failure of the French attack ultimately undermined the Australian position in the copse, which eventually fell to German counterattacks (with a total of 84 casualties). The 5th Brigade returned to
17982-495: The last Australian division to see combat in World War I. With the end of the war, Australian forces were not involved in occupation duties, and were quickly disbanded, and the soldiers transported back to Australia. As a result, the 2nd Division merged with the Australian 5th Division in March 1919 (as a single division of four brigades). Throughout the war, the division lost over 12,000 killed in action or died of wounds or other causes, and nearly 38,000 wounded, while 13 members of
18144-664: The management of training delivered to Reserve soldiers within the 2nd Division. During the period since 2011, the division has deployed forces and provided individual troops to deployments to the Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Afghanistan, and South Sudan as well as supporting ongoing border protection operations. The division was renamed the 2nd (Australian) Division effective 1 July 2023. Positioned at Mont St Quentin ( 49°56′51.61″N 2°55′55.91″E / 49.9476694°N 2.9321972°E / 49.9476694; 2.9321972 ( 2nd Division memorial ) ), where
18306-405: The middle of the month it was relieved by the British 21st Division and was recalled to the Somme for the final stages of the British offensive. This time they joined the British Fourth Army , holding a sector south of Pozières near the village of Flers . Despite heavy mud, the Australians were required to mount a number of attacks around Gueudecourt , with a brigade from the 2nd Division and
18468-507: The most brilliant actions of Australian infantry in the First World War". However, this action cost the Australians an additional 430 casualties. The 2nd Division was relieved by the US 30th Division on the evening of 5 October, with the intention of allowing it to rest until the start of the campaigning season in 1919; however, as the Armistice was signed in November 1918, the 2nd Division was
18630-464: The next 26 years, due to his commitment, energy and enthusiasm, Savige's name became inseparable from both the club and the movement. Savige joined the Militia on 19 February 1920, with his AIF rank of captain. He served with Headquarters 3rd Division —then under Gellibrand—from July 1921 to November 1924. He commanded the 37th Infantry Battalion from 1 December 1924 to 31 July 1928,
18792-636: The next day against hundreds of the enemy thirsting like wolves to get at the defenceless throng was as fine as any episode known to the present writer in the history of this war. Savige was subsequently decorated with the Distinguished Service Order for his efforts on this occasion. His citation read: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the retirement of refugees from Sain Kelen to Tikkaa Tappah, 26/28th July, 1918; also at Chalkaman, 5/6th August. In command of
18954-409: The next day to capture Montbrehain . After much hard fighting by two battalions of the 6th Brigade (reinforced by the 2nd Pioneer Battalion, which attacked as infantry) (against the German 241st (Saxon) , 24th and the 34th Divisions ), the village was captured, along with nearly 400 German prisoners. This drove a mile long salient into the German lines, and was described by Charles Bean as "one of
19116-456: The northern flank of the salient below Villers-Bretonneux caused the Germans to withdraw by 1,000 yards (910 m), leaving only outposts and sentries behind to deceive the Allies that the front was still being held. This withdrawal meant that the Australians were able to capture Monument Farm and parts of Monument Wood. The 26th Battalion also secured a German tank ( "Mephisto" ), which had been disabled on 24 April. The withdrawal also meant that
19278-412: The objectives called for a 2-mile (3.2 km) advance. Attacking before sunrise, the soldiers managed to capture the fortified positions at the la Motte Farm and Mushroom Quarry (at a cost of 989 casualties), but were stopped short of their final objective: the village of Beaurevoir . Continuing the attack on 4 October, the 2nd Division approached the village of Beaurevoir, and conducted further attacks
19440-413: The offensive that was to occur after the Battle of Hamel. Between 26 July and 5 August, elements of the US 65th Infantry Brigade (from the 33rd Division ) were assigned to the Australian Corps. Of these troops, two battalions of the US 129th Infantry Regiment were assigned to the 2nd Division, joining it around Villers-Bretonneux. One US company was allocated to each Australian battalion, and as some of
19602-514: The order to disband. As a result, the units remained in existence until October, after the Australians had fought their final battles of the war. By early October, Allied forces had succeeded in capturing the main Hindenburg defences in the first part of the Battle of St. Quentin Canal , and the supporting defences; however, this left the third line of defences, the "Beaurevoir Line". Relieving
19764-509: The original front line. During this battle, the 2nd Division experienced 305 casualties (of the 1,010 casualties experienced by the I ;Anzac Corps). On 3 May, the Second Battle of Bullecourt commenced with the 2nd Division – committing the 5th and 6th Brigades – attacking the two trench lines east of Bullecourt. The 5th Brigade made little progress, but the 6th Brigade seized parts of both trench lines. Heavy counterattacks then fell against
19926-413: The plan. He was a skilful manager of men, using an easy friendly manner to decrease the distance that separated him from his subordinates. He was a sage leader in battle whose approach to all problems was practical and objective. He could write clearly and interestingly and enjoyed writing, whether it was of orders and doctrine for future operations or accounts of past battles; he had a sense of history and
20088-449: The planned offensive was now superseded, as peaceful penetration had already achieved the objectives. Further patrols were conducted; this time with the objective of advancing the Australian 7th Brigade's front by 1,000 yards (910 m), and capturing the remainder of Monument Wood and "The Mound" (spoil from a nearby railway cutting). However, this would then expose the southern flank of the division. To counter this, Rosenthal approached
20250-475: The position was renamed Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) to more clearly reflect the role and its authority. In June 1986, the three-star position Vice Chief of the Defence Force (VCDF) was created. As with CDF, this position rotates between the forces. Lieutenant General John Baker was the first army officer to occupy the position (October 1992 – April 1995). A third three-star position, Chief of Capability Development Group (CCDG), which also rotates between
20412-567: The pursuit to Slonta. He showed fine control organisation and leadership throughout, culminating in an excellent example of initiative and drive which broke the enemy flank west of Derna thus accelerating the enemy retreat and final defeat. The 17th Infantry Brigade was the last to land in Greece, arriving at Piraeus on 12 April. Savige was placed in charge of Savige Force, consisting of the 2/5th, 2/6th, 2/7th and 2/11th Infantry Battalions, with armour, artillery, engineer and other support. He
20574-412: The same feat. The brigade then faced strong German counter-attacks. Savige was in the front trench, where he attempted to coordinate the 24th Infantry Battalion's defence. The situation, Savige realised, was "somewhat serious". Extraordinary tenacity and bravery was required to hold the position. "The 6th Brigade's achievement on this day," wrote Charles Bean , "had few parallels in the history of
20736-417: The same time as the Australian attack, resulting in the two attacking forces engaging each other in no-man's land. After gaining the upper hand, the 2nd Division captured all of its objectives, sustaining 2,174 casualties. This battle marked the peak of British success during 3rd Ypres, and with rain starting to fall on 3 October, was the last successful action of the battle. With the rain becoming heavier,
20898-418: The southern part of the Australian line, during December 1917 – January 1918, and then again in March – April 1918. On 3 April, the division was relieved by the British 25th Division. On 21 March, the Germans launched their Spring Offensive , focused on the Somme. As the offensive, began to threaten the vital rail hub of Amiens , the Australians were hurriedly brought south to help restore the British line in
21060-503: The war he played a key role in the establishment of Legacy Australia , the war widows and orphans benefit fund. During the early years of the Second World War, Savige commanded the 17th Infantry Brigade in the North African Campaign , the Battle of Greece and Syria–Lebanon Campaign . His outspoken criticism of professional soldiers earned him their rancour. He returned to Australia in early 1942, and later commanded
21222-462: The war was free of controversy about his command. Once again, he had a talented regular officer as chief of staff, Brigadier Ragnar Garrett , with whom he had worked in Greece during 1941 and more recently in New Guinea. Moreover, as a corps commander, tactical details could be left to subordinates, although Savige still had to keep a close eye on them to ensure that they did not take unnecessary risks or incur needless casualties. Savige continued to tour
21384-418: The west. The offensive succeeded, with the Australian 5th Brigade (consisting of 1,340 men, supported by five brigades of field artillery, and four brigades of heavy artillery) securing Mont St. Quentin on the morning of 31 August, and capturing over 700 German prisoners. The 5th Brigade was then subjected to several counterattacks. Eventually, in the afternoon of the 31st one of these succeeded in recapturing
21546-431: Was "the final straw". Savige suspected—accurately in part—that Staff Corps officers were out to get him. A "general atmosphere of criticism and derogation" infected the force that would eventually sour relations between Blamey and some Staff Corps officers. Considering its inexperience, Savige's 17th Infantry Brigade was given a complicated role in the Battle of Bardia . While the 2/6th Infantry Battalion made
21708-677: Was also mentioned in despatches a third time. He later wrote a book about his experiences, entitled Stalky's Forlorn Hope , which was published in Melbourne in 1920. In November 1918, he was evacuated to a hospital in Bombay , suffering an attack of malaria , and returned to Australia in January 1919 on the City of Exeter . Savige married Lilian Stockton on 28 June 1919 at the South Yarra Baptist Church. Their marriage produced
21870-446: Was appointed commander of the 6th Division on 28 September—selected Savige to command its 17th Infantry Brigade , the brigade from Victoria. Savige was given the AIF serial number VX13. He and Blamey had worked together when Blamey had commanded the 3rd Division from 1931 to 1937, and Savige was "almost fanatically loyal to Blamey through bad as well as good times". For regular officers, their exclusion from command positions
22032-483: Was broken in an air raid. Savige arrived back in Palestine on 1 May 1941 and began the task of rebuilding his brigade. For the campaign in Greece, he received his fourth mention in despatches. Savige did not pretend to be a military genius but only a commander who knew his way around the battlefield because he had learned soldiering the hard way. John Hetherington In June 1941, the 7th Division fought in
22194-592: Was captured on 2 April. With the capture of Noreuil (Louverval and Doignies were also taken by the Australian 5th Division on 2 April), the I Anzac Corps was within striking distance of the main Hindenburg defences. The 2nd Division was in support during the First Battle of Bullecourt , which was the Fifth Army's main contribution to the Arras offensive. Once the first attempt on Bullecourt had failed,
22356-537: Was commissioned as a second lieutenant on 9 November 1915. During the evacuation of Gallipoli in December 1915, Savige was one of three officers chosen to serve with the battalion rearguard. After a brief period of rest and reorganisation in Egypt, the 2nd Division —of which the 24th Infantry Battalion was part—embarked for France on 21 March 1916. Savige became commander of the battalion scout platoon and led
22518-503: Was discontinued, and Savige's headquarters became II Corps once more. Although geographically the largest of the Solomon Islands , Bougainville was politically part of Australian New Guinea and Prime Minister John Curtin desired that Australia should contribute to the garrison. Savige’s II Corps was ordered to "reduce enemy resistance on Bougainville Island as opportunity offers without committing major forces". "To
22680-405: Was discovered that the defences along the river were too strong, and so the 2nd Division's front was taken over by the Australian 5th Division. The 2nd Division then moved north behind the Australian 3rd Division (which was to take Cléry and continue east to protect the 2nd Division's flank), approaching Mont St. Quentin on the northern side of the Somme River, before attacking Mont St. Quentin from
22842-426: Was done under heavy fire. He then helped to guide the attackers to their positions. On the night 8th/9th October. he did similar work on Broodseinde Ridge under particularly heavy fire and throughout the attack on the 9th October. he remained in the forward area gathering information and forwarding it to Brigade Headquarters. This Officer has been on many occasions conspicuous for his gallantry. Although Savige
23004-472: Was evacuated from the peninsula in December, returning to Egypt, where it completed its training and formation while the 1st Division was split and used to raise two new divisions (the 4th and 5th ) as the AIF was expanded prior to its departure to Europe to fight on the Western Front . A pioneer battalion, designated the 2nd Pioneer Battalion , was added to the division at this time. The 2nd Division started to arrive in France in March 1916. In April, it
23166-621: Was filled with large numbers of 18-year-old conscripts. One new arrival was especially welcome: Lieutenant Colonel John Wilton , who was posted as General Service Officer, First Grade (GSO1) in August. Savige later recalled that "I never had a more competent staff, nor such a co-operative team, than that staff after Wilton came along." The 3rd Division moved to southern Queensland in July, where it came under Lieutenant General Edmund Herring 's II Corps . In October, Herring succeeded Rowell as commander of New Guinea Force , and Savige became acting corps commander. With his attention focused on
23328-416: Was followed by a severe, sustained artillery bombardment that inflicted heavy casualties. The position of the Australian salient meant that the soldiers received artillery fire from the front, flank and rear – including from German batteries near Thiepval . After 12 days on the front line and sustaining 6,846 casualties, the 2nd Division was relieved by the Australian 4th Division on 6 August. After
23490-511: Was given the mission of covering the Allied flank around Kalabaka . On 17 April, Savige received orders to withdraw from Kalabaka, leaving only a rearguard behind. The road behind him, however, was packed with vehicles, and a crucial bridge on the only reasonably good road back had accidentally been demolished. Savige elected to disregard his orders and hold his position until the road was clear. He then managed to withdraw, although his driver's foot
23652-460: Was hampered by opposing artillery, resulting in a subsequent increase in casualties. Between 16 and 18 August, another peaceful penetration operation was carried out by the 6th Brigade (then the only unit of the 2nd Division on the front line) around Herleville , culminating in an attack on 18 August to the edge of Herleville itself. By this stage the 6th Brigade had been heavily depleted – particularly from gas shelling around Villers-Bretonneux – to
23814-595: Was informed that the citation had gone through, the medal was never gazetted . He became assistant brigade major of the 6th Infantry Brigade on 10 September and was acting brigade major from 22 November until 11 January 1918. Following the abdication of the Russian Tsar in 1917, the Caucasus Front collapsed, leaving Central Asia open to the Turkish Army. The British War Office responded with
23976-544: Was initially occupied by Lieutenant General Sir Henry Wells (March 1958 – March 1959), and was rotated through the three services, hence (briefly) providing a three-star position available to army officers. In 1968 this became a four-star position. It was replaced in February 1976 by a new position, Chief of Defence Force Staff, with command authority over the Australian Defence Force , and in October 1984
24138-467: Was initially put into a reserve line (the "Aubigny Line") under the 14th Division , before it was sent to support (and later relieve) the 18th Division south of Villers-Bretonneux. After the 5th Brigade had relieved the 18th Division on 5 April, it was decided that the 5th would recapture the lost parts of Hangard wood, and so reduce a salient that threatened the southern flank of the Australian forces at Villers-Bretonneux. The attack by two battalions –
24300-418: Was intended that the division's commander would be James McCay , but he was wounded on 11 July, and repatriated back to Australia after the death of both his wife and father. As a result, the command of the division went to Lieutenant-General Gordon Legge . Due to the pressing need for more soldiers for the Gallipoli campaign , parts of the 2nd Division was sent to Anzac Cove in mid-August 1915, despite
24462-527: Was limited during this time, and while initially it was planned to maintain a strong Reserve element through compulsory training, this scheme was only partially implemented in the 1920s, and was suspended following the Great Depression. Defence spending remained low throughout the 1930s, and voluntary recruitment proved inadequate. As a result, the inter-war years were characterised by limited equipment and reduced manning levels. During World War II,
24624-496: Was meant by "threaten". What would end up being threatened by Savige's very success was Blamey's plan for the capture of Lae , which called for the Japanese defenders of Lae to be drawn away towards Salamaua. The campaign also included an acrimonious exchange between Savige and American commanders that threatened Allied harmony. This arose, ironically, because of Herring's deliberately vague instructions, which he hoped would ensure Allied harmony. On 15 August, Blamey and Berryman, now
24786-462: Was never seen again. Savige was promoted to captain on 15 September. On 8 November, he was wounded at Flers but remained on duty. However, on 20 December he was admitted to hospital, suffering from influenza. Savige rejoined the 24th Infantry Battalion on 5 January 1917 and was appointed adjutant on 3 February. In February 1917, the German Army began a withdrawal from its positions in
24948-545: Was not the paramount concern for promotion at such a level, and that he was not prepared to recommend these officers at this time, whereupon Forde dropped his objection. General Douglas MacArthur considered Vasey's supersession "outrageous". On 12 April 1944, Savige's I Corps headquarters moved up from Queensland to relieve that of Berryman's II Corps at Finschhafen . The two staffs had hoped to exchange office equipment, thus saving on shipping, but Advanced LHQ ordered that each should move with all its stores. Instead,
25110-456: Was posted to the 24th Infantry Battalion , which departed Melbourne for Egypt on the transport Euripides on 8 May 1915. He was passed over for a commission due to his lack of education, but was promoted to corporal on 30 April and lance sergeant on 8 May. The 24th Infantry Battalion landed at Gallipoli on 5 September 1915 and took over part of the line at Lone Pine . Savige became company sergeant major on 20 September. There, he
25272-421: Was put in with the 5th and 7th Brigades, and after sustained artillery fire had cut paths through the wire, that the 7th Brigade captured portions of Malt trench. This brought the 2nd Division close enough to be able to attack the R.I. position. As the 2nd Division was preparing to attack the R.I. position in front of Loupart Wood (the attack was planned to commence on 13 March), it was discovered on 12 March, that
25434-403: Was right." Berryman returned to Port Moresby and informed Blamey and Herring that they had misjudged Savige. Nonetheless, in deference to Herring's wishes, Blamey relieved Savige anyway. On 23 August, Savige, bitterly disappointed that he would not see the final capture of Salamaua, handed over the Salamaua operation to the 5th Division under Major General Edward Milford . Savige was awarded
25596-476: Was rolling up the base installations and shipping units back to Australia. On 9 September 1944, MacArthur discarded the task force organisation. Henceforth the US Sixth Army and Eighth Army and Lieutenant General Vernon Sturdee ’s First Army reported directly to him. First Army headquarters arrived at Lae on 1 October and assumed control of Australian troops in New Guinea. At midnight, New Guinea Force
25758-542: Was sent (as part of the I ;Anzac Corps with the Australian 1st Division) to a quiet sector south of Armentières to acclimatise to the Western Front conditions. In mid-July, with the British offensive on the Somme dragging on, I Anzac Corps was sent to join the British Reserve Army of Lieutenant General Hubert Gough who intended to use the Australian divisions to take the village of Pozières . Due to
25920-562: Was tasked with holding a defensive line near El Agheila . He became convinced that German troops were moving into the area, but his concerns were dismissed by the Brigadier General Staff at I Corps , Brigadier Sydney Rowell . A month later, Savige was proven right when the Afrika Korps pounced on the British forces around El Agheila, but by then he and the 17th Infantry Brigade were in Egypt, preparing for
26082-494: Was then sent to rest areas in the Somme region for reorganisation and training. The 2nd Division's artillery was in action from the start of the Third Battle of Ypres on 22 July 1917, supporting the British 24th Division, but the infantry were not called upon until the second phase of the battle commenced on 20 September with the Battle of Menin Road . Attacking along an 8-mile (13 km) front with ten other divisions, including
26244-418: Was transferred to Sydney and then north Queensland, eventually joining the 5th Division in September 1943, for service in New Guinea. The 3rd Motor Brigade joined the division. In early 1944, the 5th Brigade was sent to Queensland and in May of that year the 2nd Division was disbanded. The division's final commander was Major General Horace Robertson who commanded the division from September 1943. In 1948,
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