Battle of Hamel - Aftermath

Aftermath

While small in scale, the Battle of Hamel was to have far-reaching consequences for trench warfare, because, like the Battle of Cambrai (1917), it provided a practical demonstration of tactics for attacking an entrenched enemy. The strategy employed at Hamel was then successful on a much larger scale in the Battle of Amiens and was a major factor in Allied successes later in the war. Field Marshal Montgomery, the World War II British army commander, later described Monash as the best World War I general on the western front in Europe.

There were 1,062 Australian casualties (including 800 dead) and 176 American casualties (almost 100 dead). Around 2,000 Germans were killed and 1,600 captured, along with the loss of much of their equipment.

Two Australians, Thomas Axford and Henry Dalziel, were awarded the Victoria Cross for their conduct during the battle. Lieutenant Thomas Roberts was awarded the Military Cross and Sergeant Ivan Eldredge the Military Medal for their actions on 18 August, when they led their sections in an out-flanking movement and the capture of a key enemy machine gun position.

American Corporal Thomas A. Pope received the British Distinguished Conduct Medal from King George V on 12 August 1918. Pope and seven other doughboys were awarded the US Army's Distinguished Service Cross for actions during the Battle of Hamel. They were:

• Cpl. Albert C. Painsipp, Company A., 132d Infantry
• Sgt. James E. Krum, Company E, 131st Infantry
• Pvt. William F. Linzky, Company E, 131st Infantry
• Cpl. Andrew C. Shabinger, Company E, 131st Infantry
• Cpl. Lester C. Whitson, Company E., 131st Infantry
• Pvt F. B. A. Wilkins, Company A, 132d Infantry
• Pvt. Christopher W. Keane, Medical Detachment, 131st Infantry.

Pope was the first recipient of the Medal of Honor during the war and a member of Company E, 131st Infantry, 33rd Division. General Pershing presented him with his medal on 22 April 1919.