2018 Fifty Cent Western Front - Villers-Bretonneux (50c) Uncirculated Australian Decimal Coin

This coin pays tribute to those who served in the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux, in which an unconventional surprise night attack carried out by Australian troops liberated the strategic town of Villers-Bretonneux from the Germans. This allowed the Allies to launch a counter-offensive, leading to further victories and ultimately the end of fighting on the Western Front.

By 1918, a trench warfare stalemate had dragged on at the Western Front for three years. In March, German troops launched their ‘Spring Offensive’, aimed at the French town of Amiens with its vital communication lines.

Australian troops were rushed in to assist the Allies against the attack. The town of Villers-Bretonneux became an important target for the German offensive. Supported by tanks, German troops managed to capture the strategic Hill 104.

From this position the Germans could continue their push towards Amiens, making it vital for the Allies to attempt the immediate recapture of Villers-Bretonneux.

On 24-25 April, troops of the Australian 13th and 15th Brigades made an unconventional night assault on Villers-Bretonneux, surrounding German troops and driving them out of the town. From this position, the Allies launched a successful counter-offensive which led to the end of the fighting on the Western Front.

Part of the 2016 – 2018 commemorations for the battles fought on the Western Front

Low uncirculated product mintage of only 15,000