Australian Corps
The Australian Corps was a World War I army corps that contained all five Australian infantry divisions serving on the Western Front. It was the largest corps fielded by the British Empire in France. At its peak the Australian Corps numbered 109,881 men. By 1918 the headquarters consisted of more than 300 personnel of all ranks, including senior staff officers, as well as supporting personnel such as clerks, drivers and batmen. Formed on 1 November 1917, the corps replaced I Anzac Corps while II Anzac Corps, which contained the New Zealand Division, became the British XXII Corps on 31 December. While its structure varied, Australian Corps usually included 4–5 infantry divisions, corps artillery and heavy artillery, a corps flying squadron and captive balloon sections, anti-aircraft batteries, corps engineers, corps mounted troops (light horse and cyclists), ordnance workshops, medical and dental units, transport, salvage and an employment company.
Australian Corps | |
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I Australian Corps formation badge. | |
Active | 1 November 1917–1918 |
Country | Australia |
Branch | Australian Army |
Size | 5 divisions |
Part of | British Expeditionary Force |
Engagements | World War I
|
Commanders | |
November 1917 – May 1918 | General William Birdwood |
May – November 1918 | Lieutenant General John Monash |
November 1918 – May 1919 | Lieutenant General Talbot Hobbs |