- The ANZAC supported assault during the Third Battle of Ypres bogs down (in November 1917). Morale begins to sag from the attrition. Then in March 1918, the Germans launch the last-ditched 'Spring Offensive', leading to brutal defensive battles of Amiens, Hazebrouk, and the Battle of Nieppe Forest.—Larry B.
- During the winter of 1917, the platoon is wearily holding the line amidst the mud of Ypres and low morale and disillusionment has infected much of the Allied armies. Word arrives that Russia has surrendered following the Communist Revolution, allowing the German army on the Eastern Front to be sent to France. Martin and Flanagan are both officers and the former has reluctantly become a Staff Officer to Australian General John Monash. Flanagan bumps into Gordon, now working as a pimp behind the lines and the two fight in an alleyway, leaving Gordon dead.
In 1918, the massive German Spring Offensive begins in March and shatters the weary and depleted British 5th Army. For the first time since 1914, the Western Front breaks open and the fighting takes place in open countryside. Martin takes command of a rag-tag group of British survivors and he is impressed with their courage and fighting skills. The five Australian divisions are one of the very few intact Allied forces that can halt the German advance. Flanagan, now commanding the company, is ordered to a defensive position at Hazebrouck where they are instructed to hold off the advancing Germans which his men, joined by a handful of surviving Tommies, do so in a fierce battle. Bluey's deadly skill with the Lewis Gun is put to good use. Now a Sergeant Major, Bill Harris also displays considerable courage and skill and is revealed to be a former soldier in the British army who had killed a cowardly and inept British officer in Afghanistan in 1907 and had then fled to Australia under a false identity.
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