2017 50c The Battle of Passchendaele The Western Front Uncirculated Coin

Throughout September and October 1917, Australian troops participated in the British offensive known as Third Battle of Ypres, which sought to capture the village of Passchendaele in Belgium. The Australians fought costly but successful actions at Menin Road, Polygon Wood and Broodseinde Ridge, all of which were well supported by artillery working in concert with the attacking infantry. Australian efforts to capture Passchendaele ultimately failed dismally. By November the Australians had suffered more than 38 000 casualties - their greatest losses of the war.