"His heart is that of a lion," was Keith Murdoch's description of Major-General Sir Talbot Hobbs, shortly after the end of WWI.

In the first AIF he commanded 1st Divisional Artillery and on Gallipoli, he did whatever he could to provide maximum support to the infantry.


On the Western Front, Hobbs was still in command and led his gunners with similar gusto.


Towards the end of 1916, he was given command of 5th Australian Division, replacing the disliked, incompetent McCay. Almost immediately Hobbs changed the thinking within the division, a leader who cared for the well-being of his men.


Hobbs commanded the division with distinction for nearly two years as it took part in some of the most difficult battles, including second Bullecourt and Peronne, but it was at Villers-Bretonneux that Hobbs established his reputation as a top Australian general.


After the Armistice, he was promoted to lieutenant-general and took over the Australian Corps from Monash.


Hobbs certainly exemplified the spirit and never-say-die attitude of the World War One Australian "digger".