On April 15, 1917, the Australian 11th BN was tasked with holding out 3 outposts near the town of Louverval, France as part of the main line of defense.
Lieutenant Charles Pope and his men where in charge of defending the center outpost. On that day, an overwhelming German force attacked and quickly surrounded their position.
Lt. Pope and his men gallantly fought off numerous attacks, but with ammo running low and under strict orders to hold the position to the last man, Pope had only one option. He was seen charging out of his hole and leading his soldiers against the superior enemy force, disappearing into the fog of battle.
A few days later, his lifeless body, along with those of most of his men, was found amongst the battered bodies of 80 enemy dead.
Because of his actions, leadership and self sacrifice. Lt. Pope was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross and the entire Australian line remained unbroken despite the battalion suffering heavy casualties. #anzac #ww1 #hero #zerofoxtrot #stayzero