Links to additional resources
World War 1, Europe, 1969 McLEAN 28 Battalion, 1919
1919Subcollections
Overview
Studio portrait in fighting gear Sergeant Gordon James McLEAN
Historical information
The 28th Battalion, formed on 16 April 1915 in Western Australia, was initially composed of recruits designated for the 24th Battalion. Departing Australia in June 1915, the battalion trained in Egypt for two months before landing at Gallipoli on 10 September as part of the 7th Brigade. At Gallipoli, they bolstered the exhausted New Zealand and Australian Division, experiencing a relatively quiet deployment before withdrawing in December with minimal casualties.
Following Gallipoli, the battalion returned to Egypt before moving to the Western Front in France as part of the 2nd Australian Division. Their first major engagement was at Pozieres, from late July to early August 1916. After a quieter period in Belgium, the battalion faced tough fighting near Flers, in the Somme Valley, in October. Throughout 1917, the 28th Battalion primarily served in supporting roles but participated actively in the second battle of Bullecourt, and notably, captured its objectives within seven minutes during the third phase of the battle of Menin Road. They were also engaged in the muddy battle of Poelcappelle.
In 1918, the 28th played a key role in countering the German spring offensive and later joined the Allied counteroffensive starting on 8 August, which led to the German retreat. They were instrumental in securing crossings over the Somme River and advancing beyond Mont St Quentin. The battalion's final actions involved breaking through the Beaurevoir Line in early October. The unit began demobilizing in January 1919, and was formally disbanded in March 1919.
Details
Details
Registration number
cwa-org-32-P1900.238
Item type
Year
Geotag
-31.931849112087, 115.89267565546
Open in Google Maps
Nearest geotagged records:
Nearby places:
View all geotagged records »
Open in Google Maps
Nearest geotagged records:
- World War 1, Australia, Western Australia, 3190 LEWIS, 10 Light Horse (0.19km away)
- World War 1, Australia, Western Australia, 1125 MILES, 10 Light Horse (0.25km away)
- World War 1, Australia, Western Australia, 517 FERRIER, 10 Light Horse (0.43km away)
- World War 1, Australia, Western Australia, 64281 SMEED, 10 Light Horse (0.52km away)
- World War 1, Australia, Western Australia, 881 McWATERS, 10 Light Horse (0.62km away)
- World War 2, Middle East, WX19073 SHORT, 2/28 Battalion, 1943 (0.76km away)
- World War 1, Australia Western Australia, 6257 EGAN, 16 Battalion, 1916 (0.87km away)
- World War 1, Western Australia, 1473 ROBINSON, 12 Battalion, 1916 (0.88km away)
- World War 2, Middle East, 10 (Aust) CRE, WX8385 PARLOR, 1942 (0.98km away)
- AWAS on Rottnest - WF90725 SHEEDY (1.03km away)
Nearby places:
View all geotagged records »
Last modified
Monday, 5 May, 2025
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
Other items from Australian Army Museum of Western Australia
-
World War 2, Australia Western Australia, 1942
-
World War 2, Australia Western Australia, 1942
-
World War 2, Australia Western Australia, 1942
-
World War 2, Australia Western Australia, Anti-tank Artillery, 1942
-
World War 2, Australia Western Australia, 1942
-
World War 2, Australia Western Australia, 1942
-
World War 2, Australia Western Australia, 1942
-
World War 2, Australia Western Australia, 1942
-
World War 1, Australia Western Australia, 16 Battalion, 1915
-
World War 2, Australia Western Australia, 1942
-
World War 2, Australia Western Australia, 1942
-
World War 2, Australia Western Australia Geraldton, 1942
