Mark 1 tank at the Battle of Flers–Courcelette, 15 September 1916. Image courtesy Imperial War Museum © IWM (Q 5575).
- Prime Minister Hughes reads the Military Service Referendum Bill to Parliament for the second time, confirming that soldiers on active service will be entitled to vote. Conscription
- The A Company of the 42nd Infantry is advised that they will depart Orange on the 2.30am train to camp in Sydney. Recruits are to present at the Drill Hall at 11pm and are to bring their own crockery and cutlery, toiletries and linen as well as a candle and a spare set of bootlaces. Roseberry Camp
- The New Zealand Division takes part in its first major action near Flers on the Somme. The division suffers 7,000 casualties, including more than 1,500 killed over the next 23 days. New Zealand and The Battle of The Somme
- Tanks are used for the first time in WWI. The British artillery unleashes 828,000 shells and 12 divisions of men advance at Flers Courcelette on the Somme, aided by their secret weapon, 48 Mark I tanks. Many of the tanks break down, with only 21 making it to the front line. The British advance 2.5kms, finally taking High Wood, but sustaining 29,000 casualties in the process. Tank Development in World War I
- Lieutenant AR Blackett writes a letter to Thomas Argall explaining the circumstances surrounding his son, Herbert Argall’s death in France. The Late Pte Bert Argall
- Five men are injured when a bomb explodes at Bathurst Military Training Camp. Explosion At Bathurst Camp
