The Scent of Eucalyptus Book Four 1918-19

Book Four 1918-19. On the eve of the long anticipated German Offensive, newly trained medics Jimmy and Willie are ordered into the front lines. There, they witness the crash landing of a British aircraft out in no-man's-land and resolve to rescue the pilot who they believe has survived. They consider this decision logical but a British officer, convinced the Germans will begin their attack at any minute, believes the venture is tantamount to suicide. Daniel Carbury leads his...
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Book Four 1918-19. On the eve of the long anticipated German Offensive, newly trained medics Jimmy and Willie are ordered into the front lines. There, they witness the crash landing of a British aircraft out in no-man's-land and resolve to rescue the pilot who they believe has survived. They consider this decision logical but a British officer, convinced the Germans will begin their attack at any minute, believes the venture is tantamount to suicide.
Daniel Carbury leads his Squadron on a reconnaissance mission over the front lines where he witnesses for himself, the build up of German troops on the ground. He pursues an unmarked plane flying low that he realises is targeting British observation balloons and engages with it in a dogfight.
For the British soldiers occupying the front lines, the certainty of a massive German attack is terrifying. They have orders to hold their ground and fight to the death. When the attack does come, it is immense. The line collapses and the British are forced onto the retreat with great loss of men and materiel. The Australians are amongst the few British Divisions held in reserve and are rushed forward to reinforce the breach.
Through desperate allied defence and German inability to sustain their attacks and supply lines, the great Spring Offensive of 1918 eventually comes to an end. The arrival of the Americans sees the allies prepare, once again, to push on for victory. The AIF, now under the command of John Monash, along with the Canadians spearhead a massive attack east from Amiens. It is the first day of one hundred days that will see the Kaiser abdicate and force Germany to sue for peace.
When the guns fall silent on November 11 both the Roberts and Carbury families have been touched by tragedy. Neither family can ever be the same, yet the survivors must attempt the restart their lives after the war. A war that has claimed 16 million lives, ended monarchies, brought down empires and changed world order forever.
Here ends The Scent of Eucalyptus.