| Place | Middle East: Ottoman Empire, Turkey, Dardanelles, Gallipoli, Anzac Area (Gallipoli), Quinn's Post Area, Courtney's Post |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/10141 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Tools and implements |
| Physical description | Steel, Wood |
| Location | Main Bld: First World War Gallery: The Anzac Story: Gallipoli: Life at Anzac 1 |
| Maker |
Richard Thomas Ltd |
| Place made | United Kingdom: England, West Midlands, Birmingham |
| Date made | 1903 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Pick Axe : Courtney's Post, Gallipoli
Description
Pick axe with a curved pointed end and a shorter flat end. The ferrule bears an impressed arch with the following text: 'RICHARD THOMAS Co' impressed within it, 'BIRMINGHAM' and '1903' beneath it. Stamped on the point of the pick is 'UNIVERSAL 4 1/2' ; and on the other end '[illegible]ELD'.
History / Summary
This pick axe was collected at Courtney's Post, Gallipoli on 10 January 1919 by members of the Australian War Records Section (AWRS). The small party of AWRS staff, led by Lieutenant William Hopkin James, worked on Gallipoli taking photographs and collecting items for the national collection from December 1918 to March 1919.
Pick axes and entrenchment tools were important pieces of equipment at Gallipoli, used to create the extensive trench and tunnel systems there. The ground at Gallipoli, especially around Quinn's and Courtney's Posts, was loose enough to dig through without the need for explosives, but firm enough ensure that deep saps and tunnels could be made safely without the need for shoring with timber.