5th Division Train

Horse lines of the 5th Divisional Train, near Amiens. The were constructed for the protection of the animals against shell and bomb fragments. AWM E02432

5th Australian Divisional Train loading sacks and baskets of fresh vegetables at Camon, for despatch to the line. The highly cultivated market gardens in the vicinity of Amiens having been deserted by their owners, the Australian troops took over their maintenance and the vegetables thus obtained were added to the rations of the fighting troops. AWM E02431

Brief History

Division (and Brigade) Trains were logistic support and supply units under Command of the Division to which its numeric designator corresponded. Without logistics there is no combat. Ammunition, food, water and equipment supply and maintenance are vital components of the combat power of an Army. Division Trains were a prime mechanism to ensure the Army could move and fight. The tasks of the trains and motorised columns varied. The basic tasks of train companies were to carry baggage and resupply food, forage and water for the headquarters and units of the division.

The 5th Division Train comprised the following elements:

7th Army Service Corps Company 14th Army Service Corps Company 26th Army Service Corps Company 27th Army Service Corps Company 4th Division Ammunition Sub Park 4th Division Supply Column 4th Division Veterinary Section In addition the Train companies supported Division units with a wide variety of general tasks from providing drivers for formation headquarters and field ambulances to carting roadmaking materials and engineer stores, operating snow ploughs, providing transport for postal deliveries, repairing unit equipment, and operating ad hoc pack transport units.

The supply columns and ammunition sub-parks, in addition to their basic tasks, hauled lumber, road metal, ordnance and postal cargo, petrol, quicklime, rails and medical comforts, as well as emergency mass medical evacuation and incidentally filling in as medical assistants at dressing stations,

Eight men died while posted to this unit, four due to enemy action, three accidentally and one suicide.