Charles on ‘amazing’ courage of soldiers

The Prince of Wales has paid tribute to the bravery of men who fought and died in a battle that marked a crucial turning point in the First World War.

Speaking at early-morning commemorations to mark 100 years since the Battle of Villers-bretonneux, where Australians fought alongside British troops to free the French town from German capture, he said they must continue to be honoured and told descendants the courage of their ancestors was “amazing”.

Thousands of volunteer soldiers took part in the surprise night-time attack to save the small town near Amiens from capture on April 24 1918. The battle was the second there in as many months and was notable for being the first major use of tanks by Germany.

Around 3,900 Australians in the 13th and 15th Brigades fought alongside three British battalions in the simple but dangerous plan, which saw troops encircle the town to trap the enemy. By morning they were virtually surrounded. Its success effectively put an end to the Germans’ 1918 spring offensive.

Charles, on behalf of the Queen, joined Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his French counterpart, Edouard Philippe, at the Australian National Memorial just outside Villers-bretonneux.

The event coincided with Anzac Day commemorations around the world – the Australian and New Zealand national day of remembrance on April 25 honours those who served and died in conflict and also notes the anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.

After signing a guest book and posting a tribute, Charles met descendants of those who were embroiled in battle.

Charles told Matt Harvey and Jane Hayman, from Melbourne, it was “quite amazing” that both their great-grandfathers – Bruce Hunt and Bruce Ross – served in artillery on the Western Front and survived, expressing his sadness at the poor conditions they endured.

Tribute: Prince Charles.