 In early 1918 , the 7th Brigade was placed in divisional reserve around Romarin as extreme winter weather conditions set in . At the end of January the brigade was relieved and moved back to Henneveux where it was tasked with covering a 24 miles ( 39 km ) length of the line . During this time the 27th Battalion was near full strength , with 43 officers and 993 men , and was positioned between Bellebrune and Cremarest . They remained there throughout February and March during which time they undertook training and the men were given leave to visit Boulogne . In March 1918 , the Germans launched their Spring Offensive in an effort to bring about an end to the war . The offensive saw considerable tactical gains , and although the Australian Corps missed the opening phase of the offensive as they were out of line at the time , they were brought up in April to help stem the tide of the German advance . As a part of this effort , the 27th Battalion returned to the battlefields of the Somme , as the 7th Brigade relieved the 13th Brigade around the Somme Canal on the night of 7 / 8 April . At the end of the month they moved to the Camon – Rivery area . As the German offensive became focused upon Villers – Bretonneux they were called upon to undertake a supporting role to the Australian counterattack , relieving the 6th Brigade around Ville @-@ sur @-@ Ancre following the 6th 's assault on the town . 
