The Final 100 Days: September 18, 1918

52 Days Until Armistice

The Canadian Corps’ continued their period of rest, while the remainder of the Allies continued the fight.

The village of Epehy stood as a strongpoint on the Hindenburg Line, in a similar fashion to St. Quentin and other fortress towns. 

The task fell to the British Third and Fourth Armies, under Julien Byng and Henry Rawlinson, to capture the town and bleed the Germans out of the line. 

The Australian Corps fell under the same command as the Canadian Corps, and were often used to the same effect. The Aussies were regarded as “shock troops”, with an indomitable will to win. Moreover, the commanders of both Corps (Arthur Currie and John Monash, respectively) had a penchant for thorough planning in order to save as many of their troops’ lives as possible. 

These same principles were applied at Epehy, and garnered the same success. Through extremely inclement weather and strong German defences, the Australian 1st and 4th Divisions advanced 5,000 yards, securing the town.

The Australians captured far more than the town. Through their victory, over 11,750 prisoners and 100 guns of varying sizes were secured as well.