| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM07714 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Heraldry |
| Physical description | Brass, Paper, Twine |
| Location | Main Bld: First World War Gallery: Western Front 1918: Giles/1918 Uniforms |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Date made | Unknown |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Shrapnel damaged rifle oil bottle: Private H Browning, 41 Battalion, AIF
Description
Shrapnel damaged brass rifle oil bottle. The two separate pieces are attached with twine.
History / Summary
Carried by 137 Private Henry (Harry) Browning of the 41st Battalion when he was killed. Browning was born in London in 1893. He was working as a labourer in Brisbane when he enlisted on 22 December 1915, with his younger brother Allen. Both brothers were posted to A Company of the 41st Battalion. After training in Australia and England, Browning arrived in France with the 41st Battalion in November 1916. After undertaking a signalling course in May 1918, Browning became a signaller, attached to A Company Headquarters. He was wounded in the leg during the battle of Broodseinde on 4 October, 1917, but the wound was not severe and he was back with the unit the following day. On 24 April 1918 Browning was distributing food with his brother near Vaux-Sur-Somme, when he was hit by shrapnel from a shell. He was killed almost instantly.