Bad and good times

The first world war now seems like ancient history. But occasionally events remind us that it is still within the memory of our older citizens.

This afternoon we were lucky enough to be invited for afternoon tea to celebrate the 100th birthday of an old friend. It was a real delight to see her happily surrounded by her friends, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

On the day that she was born, the Battle of Pozières, one of the  phases of the Battle of the Somme, had just got under way.  The Australians experienced their first major battle of the Western Front at Pozières. After capturing the village and suffering incessant artillery counter-attacks, they were finally relieved on 5 September by the Canadians at Mouquet Farm. Three Australian divisions had participated in the fight for Pozières and their losses amounted to over a third of the men involved. As to the village, it had simply disappeared.