WJA Allsop diary, Allsop War Diaries, 2 July -13 September 1916

Manuscript

MLMSS 1606/Item 2

Purchased from WJA Allsop, 1920

‘Surely the world has never before known such a terrible night …’

The Battle of Fromelles began on the evening of 19 July 1916 when the 5th Australian and 61st British divisions launched an offensive against a strongly fortified German line. Their mission was to distract the opposing forces from moving south to the Somme, but within 12 hours the fighting had ended and both divisions were devastated. With 5533 Australian casualties, the Battle of Fromelles is recognised as the deadliest 24-hour period in Australian military history. 

Allan Allsop’s journal vividly recounts his experience that night ferrying wounded comrades to safety.