The Battle of Amiens 8-11 August 1918
The Battle of Amiens was the crucial Allied breakthrough counter-offensive, launched on the Western Front around Amiens, in the Somme sector. An "all arms battle", the Allies made effective use of infantry, artillery tanks and aircraft, which led to an unprecedented advance (about 12 kilometres by early afternoon of the first day) and vast numbers of German prisoners.
For more information see https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/E74
For more information see https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/E74
Citation for the Award of the Military Cross
Award of the Military Cross
Lieut. Wilfred Charles Cundell SATCHELL
19th Btn A.I.F.
During the operations on morning of 8th Aug, 1918, East of AMIENS, this officer rendered invaluable service in establishing and maintaining communications between Battn. H.Q. and attacking troops. With two signallers he followed closely in rear of the fourth wave, laying wires as he went forward. His perseverance and determination resulted in the establishing of telephonic communication immediately the objective was taken. This work was carried out under most trying circumstances, the party being continually subjected to enemy machine gun and artillery fire, and although the wires were repeatedly broken they were quickly repaired.
On the 9th Aug. 1918 during a further attack on FRAMERVILLE which his battalion was supporting, this officer again worked untiringly and established and maintained telephonic communication which enabled the two attacking Battalions to obtain information and report progress of the attack.
On the 11th Aug. 1918 during a further attack on FRAMERVILLE by his battalion, this officer again went forward with the attacking troops, and although again subjected to consistent enemy machine gun fire he succeeded in establishing telephonic communication soon after the objective had been gained.
Lieut. Wilfred Charles Cundell SATCHELL
19th Btn A.I.F.
During the operations on morning of 8th Aug, 1918, East of AMIENS, this officer rendered invaluable service in establishing and maintaining communications between Battn. H.Q. and attacking troops. With two signallers he followed closely in rear of the fourth wave, laying wires as he went forward. His perseverance and determination resulted in the establishing of telephonic communication immediately the objective was taken. This work was carried out under most trying circumstances, the party being continually subjected to enemy machine gun and artillery fire, and although the wires were repeatedly broken they were quickly repaired.
On the 9th Aug. 1918 during a further attack on FRAMERVILLE which his battalion was supporting, this officer again worked untiringly and established and maintained telephonic communication which enabled the two attacking Battalions to obtain information and report progress of the attack.
On the 11th Aug. 1918 during a further attack on FRAMERVILLE by his battalion, this officer again went forward with the attacking troops, and although again subjected to consistent enemy machine gun fire he succeeded in establishing telephonic communication soon after the objective had been gained.
Letter from General Birdwood
[Handwritten note at top]
Will you please look after this for me. Billy
Australian Imperial Force,
130 Horseferry Road,Westminster, S.W. 1
5th March 1919
Dear Satchell
I have just been informed of the award to you of the Military Cross in recognition of your conspicuously good and gallant work in our operations East of Amiens on 8th August last, and write at once to send you my heartiest congratulations on this well merited honour. You rendered invaluable service in establishing and maintaining communications between battalion headquarters and the attacking troops. By following closely in rear of the fourth wave, laying wires as you advanced, you established telephonic communications immediately the objective was taken. You performed these duties under heavy fire, and throughout set a fine example of marked courage and devotion to duty. Again in the attack on Framerville on the following day you displayed the same high soldierly qualities.
With good wishes and many thanks for your splendid service.
Yours sincerely
W. R. Birdwood
Will you please look after this for me. Billy
Australian Imperial Force,
130 Horseferry Road,Westminster, S.W. 1
5th March 1919
Dear Satchell
I have just been informed of the award to you of the Military Cross in recognition of your conspicuously good and gallant work in our operations East of Amiens on 8th August last, and write at once to send you my heartiest congratulations on this well merited honour. You rendered invaluable service in establishing and maintaining communications between battalion headquarters and the attacking troops. By following closely in rear of the fourth wave, laying wires as you advanced, you established telephonic communications immediately the objective was taken. You performed these duties under heavy fire, and throughout set a fine example of marked courage and devotion to duty. Again in the attack on Framerville on the following day you displayed the same high soldierly qualities.
With good wishes and many thanks for your splendid service.
Yours sincerely
W. R. Birdwood
Other Awards
1914/15 STAR, issue 20759
British War Medal, issue 15193
Victory Medal, issue 14999
[The photos below are the correct images, but are not photos of Bill's actual medals.]
British War Medal, issue 15193
Victory Medal, issue 14999
[The photos below are the correct images, but are not photos of Bill's actual medals.]