…”The 'Great War' (First World War) of 1914–1918, was devastating to all countries involved and was played out on a huge scale. From 1914–1918, about 65 million men marched to war. Over 8 million never returned; more than half the men were wounded. ...During the conflict, around 300,000 Australians served in this part of Europe. These were ordinary young men and women, from towns and cities across Australia, who fought, nursed, cooked, dug tunnels and trenches, drove ambulances and did whatever else was necessary in the service of 'King and country'. They were not professional soldiers as we imagine soldiers today, but volunteers with limited training.

…In proportion to forces fielded, Australia's casualty rate was almost 65 per cent—the highest in the British Empire. One of the reasons for this was that Australians were exposed to the front line in massive numbers. During the course of the war, almost 60,000 Australians (nearly all men) died after sustaining injuries or illness. Most of these deaths (45,000) were on the Western Front. A further 124,000 were wounded (sometimes multiple times) and as a result, these men endured years of ill health, disfigurement or disability.

http://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/australians-on-the-western-front