Operation Peaceful Penetration The AIF April - June 1918

Australian troops at Villers Bretonneux in May 1918 during the ‘Peaceful Penetration’ period.

After playing a large roll in in halting the German Spring Offensive outside of Villers Bretonneux in April 1918, Australian troops saw an opportunity to hit back and recapture large sections of the German front line. But rather than launch a full scale battle, the unofficial operation 'Peaceful Penetration' managed to push the German line back an average of three miles with very little fighting.