Battle of Mont Saint-Quentin - Aftermath

Aftermath

Looking back after the event, Monash accounted for the success by the wonderful gallantry of the men, the rapidity with which the plan was carried out, and the sheer daring of the attempt. In his Australian Victories in France, Monash pays tribute to the commander of the 2nd Division, Major-general Charles Rosenthal, who was in charge of the operation. But Monash and his staff were responsible for the conception of the project and the working out of the plans.

The Allied victory at the Battle of Mont Saint Quentin dealt a strong blow to five German divisions, including the German elite 2nd Guards Division. As the position overlooked much of the terrain east of Mont St. Quentin, it guaranteed that the Germans would not be able to stop the allies west of the Hindenburg Line (the same position from which the Germans had launched their offensive in the spring). 2,600 prisoners were taken at a cost of slightly over 3,000 casualties.

The following soldiers were awarded the Victoria Cross for their role in the battle:

• Albert David Lowerson, 21st Battalion, originally from Myrtleford, Victoria
• Robert MacTier, 23rd Battalion, originally from Tatura, Victoria
• Edgar Thomas Towner, 2nd Machine Gun Battalion, from Blackall, Queensland

All three men were with the Australian Second Division.