Australia honours the service and
sacrifice of those who fought in the Battle of Polygon
Wood on the 99th anniversary
today.
Almost 6,000 Australians from the
Australian Imperial Force 4th
and 5th Divisions
were killed or wounded in the battle fought near Ypres
in Belgium during the First World War.
The attack on Polygon Wood was the 5th
Division’s first major battle since Fromelles in July
1916, and the first time in the First World War two
Australian Divisions fought side by side.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan
said we must never forget the sacrifice of every
Australian who has served in our armed forces and the
sacrifice of those who serve today.
“On the anniversary of Polygon Wood, we
should reflect on the experiences of the soldiers who
fought in that battle so far from home and particularly
those who paid the ultimate price,” Mr Tehan said.
“The Australians captured the Butte at
Polygon Wood – a fortified mound – upon which veterans
of the battle later chose to erect the 5th Division
Memorial, which is the memorial that today commemorates
that division’s sacrifice on the Western Front.
“I am pleased to announce the Australian
Government, with the assistance of the Belgium
Government, will hold a Dawn Service to mark the 100th
anniversary of the Battle of Polygon Wood next year.
This service will commemorate the centenary of many of
the 1917 battles in this region, and will be held at
Buttes New British Cemetery at Polygon Wood.”
Further information about the 100thanniversary
commemorations is available at: www.anzaccentenary.gov.au.
