"The Battle of Le Hamel on 4 July 1918 was an Allied triumph. A largely Australian force, commanded by Sir John Monash, fought what has been described as the first modern battle.
"Monash planned every detail meticulously, with nothing left to chance. Integrated use of tanks, planes, infantry, wireless (and even carrier pigeons!) was the basis: everyone used the same maps, with updated versions delivered by motorbike despatch riders to senior commanders. Each infantry battalion was allocated to a tank group, and they advanced together. Supplies and ammunition were dropped as needed from planes. The losses were relatively few.
"Monash planned for the battle to last for 90 minutes – in the end it went for 93. What happened in those minutes changed the way the British fought battles, and the tactics and strategies used by the Allies."
Source: Publisher's blurb.
